Ariani Darmawan Returns to Features With ‘Jani Be Good’ at Tokyo

Indonesian director Ariani Darmawan is returning to feature filmmaking after a 15-year absence with Jani Be Good, which will have its world premiere in the Asian Future competition at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival.

The film, titled Desember Jani in Indonesian, follows four women from three generations over four days in December. At its center is 13-year-old Jani, who begins to understand the roles of the women around her while learning to speak for herself.

Chempa Puteri plays Jani, alongside Sigi Wimala, Hyori Mika and Tutie Kirana. Cyntha Hariadi wrote the screenplay, her first feature script, after developing the story with Darmawan over three years.

Palari Films produced the drama. The company presented the project at the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum in March, ahead of its Tokyo selection.

Jani Be Good is scheduled to open in Indonesian cinemas on Dec. 10, 2026. The report does not establish its reception, distribution beyond Indonesia or commercial prospects.