5 Editions + 2AP
A is for Andra is a film following a queer, revisionist narrative, taking as its core the story of Andra, a former MTV VJ and host in Indonesia from 2007-2011. Using humour, performance, and poetry, Andra tracks their evolution from a young, rising star in Bandung to a non-binary transmasculine adult living a private life as a kindergarten teacher in Berlin. The film maps the limits of expression in the early 2000s media imaginary and the gendered constraints that Andra often found themselves in, as well as the slow unlearning of their identity.
Developed at the Singapore Art Museum residencies, financially supported by Queerscope, with finishing funds from Goethe-Institut New York.
Director and co-writer: Charmaine Poh
Protagonist, performance direction and co-writer: Dirandra Sandyakala
DP: Asarela Orchidia Dewi
Editor: Monica Vanesa Tedja
Sound recordist (Yogyakarta): Azhari
Set design (Yogyakarta): Shin Bazen, Atmo Glob
Performers (Yogyakarta): Byakta BaBam, Otniel Tasman
Costume design (Yogyakarta): Byakta BaBam
Costume design (Berlin): Dirandra Sandyakala
Location (Yogyakarta): 3 Monkeys Bioscope, Luccas Haynes
Street interview (Jakarta): Sabrina Ihdina, Jalaludin Rahmat, Kinanti Sophia, Mughnia, Monica Vanesa Tedja
Production assistance (Berlin): Ariel Victor Arthanto, Udi Raz, Jonathan Stefanowski
Music: Virgin Fuckboi by Bananach, Racially Charged by Memeshift
Music Composition: Morgan Sully
Sound Design: Morgan Sully, Dirandra Sandyakala, Monica Vanesa Tedja
VFX: Jon Chan
Colouring: Eugene Seah
Special thanks: 25p, Singapore Art Museum residencies, Wahyu Mika, Queerbareng, Bella Mehrnissa, Love El Zsalaska, Mami Rully Malay, Ragil Huda, Waria Crisis Center Yogyakarta, Queer Language Club Yogyakarta, Gelora Baik, Trans BIPOC Writers Group Berlin, Our queer and trans extended family in Berlin and Yogyakarta
Link available upon request.