Rajuan Alam

This film, produced in Indonesia and based on the old Japanese folk saying that "a man's happiness depends upon a knife, house, horse, wife, and singing bird," tells the story of the restoration of a young man to his rightful place in his society and nation, and depicts basic Indonesian traditions while outlining Indonesia's successful fight against malaria (with U.S. cooperation). The film follows Amin, a village youth who attempts to earn a living in the city. However, he is unsuccessful, and so he returns to his village to live with his wife-to-be, Marlina. Before the couple can marry, Marlina falls ill with malaria, and only after she is cured are they able to wed. The film was directed by Miriam Bucher and is a joint production of the U.S. Information Service (USIS) and Produksi Film Negara (PFN).

Directed by Miriam Bucher, Rajuan Alam leans on a strong ensemble — Bambang Hermanto, R.D. Ismail, Ali Yugo — 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 documentary titles of 1956.