Slave island

original title:

Slave island

cast:

Jeremy Kewuan

cinematography:

country:

Italy / Belgium / Taiwan / Estonia

year:

2025

film run:

94'

format:

colour

status:

Ready (22/03/2025)

festivals & awards:

  • Movies that Matter 2025: Activism and human rights defenders
  • DOCVILLE International Documentary Film Festival 2025 - Best Belgian Documentary Jury Award

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.