At last night's MassArt Film Society gathering, I had the chance to see the third film in Leonard Retel Helmrich's trilogy about a family in Jakarta, Position Among the Stars. The film has just won a Special Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Well deserved. Leonard manages to combine a broad view of social and political issues, intimately observed narrative, and stunning visuals. Many filmmakers do two of these things, but few cover all three.
I especially respect the fact that Leonard shoots most of his own material. He stays close to his subjects and uses all kinds of camera supports he has designed himself. His mixed Dutch and Indonesian background allows him unique access to his subject matter and a connection with a wider audience. Congratulations Leonard!