original title:
Slave island
directed by:
cast:
Jeremy Kewuan
cinematography:
production:
Samarcanda Film, Harald House, The Y-House, Baltic Film Production, supported by Ministero della Cultura
country:
Italy / Belgium / Taiwan / Estonia
year:
2025
film run:
94'
format:
colour
status:
Ready (22/03/2025)
festivals & awards:
In colonial times, Sumba was famous for its slave markets, run by royal families. Nowadays these slaves still exist. They are called Ata, 'servants', and are owned by families from the upper caste, the Maramba. Activist Jeremy Kewuan is determined to expose and end this tragedy. He comes into contact with Lucky, a man proudly defending his right to own slaves, revealing a shocking mindset. 'Slaves are human,' he says, 'but they think like animals. When a cat does something wrong, we hit it. But we still love it.'
Together with Mama Lina, who was enslaved by Lucky as a child, Jeremy starts feeling responsible for the well-being of three children working for Lucky: Witta, Rangga and Kedo. All three are severely traumatized and covered in scars from the physical abuse they suffered. When 8-year-old Witta disappears after Jeremy has brought her back to Lucky following a trip to the city, Jeremy feels very guilty. He goes on a quest to find Witta – and to ultimately confront Lucky and hold him accountable.