Private Project

A Way of Life

Ello Kalengke, a teenager at a crossroad. On one hand, he wishes to see the world after graduation; on another, he wishes to continue his family’s legacy—’waya masapi’, a traditional eel trap. Beyond his sense of responsibility, Ello’s dilemma arises from his deep understanding that the old waya is an invaluable heritage of his community, cherished across generations.

  • Ifdhal PERMANA
    Director
  • Suryani LIAUW
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Waya Masapi
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 30, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Indonesia
  • Country of Filming:
    Indonesia
  • Language:
    Indonesian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Festival Film Dokumenter 2024
    Yogyakarta
    Indonesia
    November 7, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Ifdhal PERMANA

Ifdhal began his filmmaking journey in 2017, participating in a short film workshop. His debut, "Home Sweet Home," won Best Short Film at the Anti-Corruption Film Festival in Indonesia. His next fiction short, "Longing for the Past," premiered at the Bakunawa Young Cinema Festival. "A Way of Life" is his first creative documentary.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In 2019, my first visit to Tentena left me deeply impressed. The youth's profound and articulate knowledge of their culture was remarkable.

Despite Tentena's rapid development, the community demonstrates a delicate balance between embracing progress and preserving their ancestral heritage. This tension raises a crucial question: How essential are traditions and culture to the people's lives, and why is their preservation so vital?

Driven by this curiosity, I embarked on creating this documentary. By exploring the hearts and minds of Tentena's residents, I sought to understand their unique strategies for safeguarding cultural practices— particularly those associated with waya masapi—in the face of rapid modernization.

I hope that through a shared cinematic experience, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring value of tradition and culture and recognize the urgent need to protect them amidst the ever-changing landscape of time.