Behind the Scenes of Dilan ITB 1997 (2026)

Overview

Behind the Scenes of Dilan (Di Balik Layar Dilan) is an approximately 75-minute observational documentary that captures Ariel NOAH’s journey as he is entrusted with the role of the adult Dilan⁠—⁠a decision that immediately sparked public debate. Amidst the commentary, expectations, and the weight of nostalgia attached to the figure of Dilan, the film goes beyond simply observing the acting process; it dissects how a fictional character transforms into a collective memory contested by many. From Bandung as the birthplace of the myth, through intimate reading rooms, to the final day of shooting, the documentary follows Ariel's transformation as a human being, a public figure, and a new vessel for an icon. Ultimately, the film poses one profound question: when a myth changes bodies, who is truly being tested⁠—⁠the actor, the character, or the audience's own memory?

Eko KristiantoDirector