My Harmonica

One of the best Indonesian children’s films, distinguished by not being a fairytale as other films popular at the time, My Harmonica combines humour, mischief and naivety. Sani is an orphan who is raised by his grandmother in the village. His parents died when he was little. His teachers think that he can develop further if he goes to Jakarta to study. Reluctantly, Sani agrees. So in Jakarta, he stays with the younger sibling of his teacher, but he faces problems. The most intriguing part is his wish to have a harmonica, a new instrument that he has never seen before.

Directed by Arifin C. Noer, My Harmonica leans on a strong ensemble — Fachrul Rozy, W.D. Mochtar, Nani Widjaja — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1979.