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How this Thai film prompted Indonesian migrant to reflect success

A scene from How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, a Thai film that explores family, ageing and the question of what success really means.
A scene from How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, a Thai film that explores family, ageing and the question of what success really means. Source: SBS / SBS On Demand

Now streaming on SBS On Demand, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies tells a family story that feels familiar to many Indonesians. For Myriam Larasati, it is also a reminder of what really matters in life.


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By Anne Parisianne

Source: SBS



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Now streaming on SBS On Demand, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies tells a family story that feels familiar to many Indonesians. For Myriam Larasati, it is also a reminder of what really matters in life.


Amid the dominance of big-budget films packed with visual effects, the Thai film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which is streaming on SBS On Demand, captivates audiences through the strength of its story and characters.

For Myriam Larasati, an Indonesian living in Australia, one of the film's biggest strengths is seeing a Southeast Asian story receive international recognition.

The story is set in Thailand, but many of its themes feel familiar to Indonesian families, Larasati said. The film explores relationships between generations, caring for parents and grandparents, and family bonds that remain strong even after children reach adulthood, she said. These themes may feel familiar to many families across Southeast Asia, she added.

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Myriam Larasati says How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a powerful reminder that success is not only about financial security, but also about time spent with family. Source: Supplied / Myriam Larasati
As a Southeast Asian, it's nice to see a film from our region getting wider attention and proving it can stand alongside Hollywood productions.
Myriam Larasati

For those who have migrated overseas, the film also offers a more personal reflection, Larasati said. Many people move to Australia in search of a better future, she said. But over time, chasing financial stability does not always answer bigger questions about happiness and fulfilment, she added.

Through its portrayal of a grandparent-grandchild relationship, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies invites viewers to reflect on family, time and priorities in life.
Through its portrayal of a grandparent-grandchild relationship, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies invites viewers to reflect on family, time and priorities in life. Source: SBS / SBS On Demand

"It reminds you that sometimes what really matters is spending time with family," Larasati told SBS Indonesian.

Why has this film resonated with so many people beyond Thailand? And which scene did Larasati find most emotionally powerful?

Listen to the full conversation on the SBS Indonesian podcast.

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