Realising that what he saw in Sumba was an important social issue of the present that needed to be voiced, Razka Robby Ertanto was moved to depict this issue in a film.
Although wrapped as a fiction, the meaning of the story and ideas in Yohanna are based on the research he carried out on the East Nusa Tenggara's island of Sumba thus its documentary-style.
The main character in the film, a Catholic nun named Sister Yohanna, referred to Robby as a real figure encountered in society's everyday life, indicating that faith is not just a text but prioritises action.
"Faith is not just a text but is our relationship with others, prioritising action on our own beliefs," Razka told SBS Indonesian during an interview last October.
Not just praying, but doing something for life itself, for the people. That's what Yohanna wants to talk about.Razka Robby Ertanto, Director of 'Yohanna'
When asked if he had received negative feedback for portraying the life of a real-life Catholic nun in a Muslim-majority country, Razka — who is also a Muslim — said he only received positive feedback. He also stated that, given Indonesia's diverse nature, its cinema also needs diversity.
"Indonesian cinema must appreciate diversity," he said.
Listen to the full conversation with Razka Robby Ertanto and watch Yohanna on SBS On Demand.
