Levitating

A young man in a bright blue shirt plays a wind instrument while walking toward the camera. A lively crowd behind him raises their arms in an outdoor setting.

Latas Village, a small suburban area, is known for its traditional trance parties, a long-standing ritual and form of entertainment passed down through generations where participants become possessed by the spirit of various beings.

When the sacred spring where the spirit-channelers seek spirits is facing an impending eviction, 20-year-old Bayu becomes determined to become a lead spirit-channeler himself so he can lead a grand fundraising party to buy back the spring and protect his community's traditions. But along the way, Bayu discovers that ambition alone is not enough to make him a true spirit channeler, or to save the village he calls home.

This genre-bending coming-of-age story turned psychedelic horror film from Indonesian director and screenwriter Wregas Bhanuteja offers a totally unique cinematic experience that is both culturally specific and universally resonant.

Cosponsored by the Southeast Asia Program in the Einaudi Center for International Studies.

In Indonesian with English subtitles. Part of our "Worth a Watch" series. Courtesy: Surprise H Films

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