Aruna & Her Palate

About Aruna & Her Palate

"Aruna & Her Palate", which premiered in 2018, centres around a successful epidemiologist named Aruna. As Aruna investigates a peculiar case of bird flu, she takes advantage of her work assignment to delve into the local culinary scene. She is drawn into a ‘food tour’ by her good buddies, not knowing that she is in the middle of a love triangle with the two.

Making / Production

The movie is an adaptation of Indonesia’s best-selling author Laksmi Pamuntjak's novel "The Birdwoman's Palate". Directed by Edwin, this drama/comedy film combines the thrill of culinary exploration with an interesting romantic plot.

Actors

• Dian Sastrowardoyo as Aruna: An expert epidemiologist, played convincingly by Sastrowardoyo, who has a passion for culinary delights.
• Oka Antara as Farish: An old friend and a reliable comrade who joins Aruna on her mission, played brilliantly by Antara.
• Nicholas Saputra as Bono: The third component of the triangle, Bono is subdued yet impressive thanks to Saputra's skilled performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie was chosen as the opening film at the 2018 Indonesian Film Festival in Australia.
• Novel Aruna & Lidahnya that inspired the film won a national literary award, the 2015 Jakarta Arts Council's Novel Competition.
• The movie is seen as a love letter to Indonesian cuisine, showcasing a variety of local delights.

Awards

Though the movie did not receive any major film awards, it was recognized for its showcase of Indonesian cuisine and culture, and for Sastrowardoyo's captivating performance.

Quotes

• "Food is not just about flavour, it’s an experience."
• "Work might bring me places, but food always brings me home."
• "Flavours might change, but memories won't."

Music, Soundtrack

• Original music was composed by Ken Jenie and Mar Galo
• Soundtrack includes a mixture of contemporary Indonesian music and traditional tunes, enhancing the film's cultural exploration.