Who would have thought that a four-minute short documentary created by two Indonesian students could captivate the world? The Atlantis Mussels, a film by Rachmat and Azyd Aqsha Madani, recently won Best ShortDoc at the Megacities-ShortDocs Film Festival 2024 and is now set to be screened at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

But beyond its prestigious accolades lies an even more compelling story—a journey of determination, creativity, and resilience in bringing to light a critical yet often overlooked issue: the sinking of Jakarta.

From Kampung Kerang Hijau to the Global Stage
Shot in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, The Atlantis Mussels highlights how the coastal community ingeniously uses green mussel shells to raise land levels in response to ongoing subsidence. More than just a documentary, this film is a tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of the people fighting against environmental changes.

Despite facing challenges, the production process took only four months, with filming completed in a mere five hours! What’s even more remarkable—without initial official permits, the filmmakers had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles while gaining the trust of the local community. Through perseverance and personal engagement, they eventually secured support from both residents and local officials.

Courage and Determination: The Keys to Success
Director Rachmat Kurniawan Idrus revealed that Kampung Kerang Hijau was chosen not just for its unique visual appeal but for the extraordinary story it holds. To him, every corner of this village represents a fight for survival—one that the world needs to see.

The global recognition of The Atlantis Mussels goes beyond cinematographic excellence; it’s a testament to the bravery of two students who dared to spotlight a harsh reality often ignored.

With overwhelming success in international festivals, audiences are now eagerly awaiting when and where they can watch the film. Given the buzz surrounding it, The Atlantis Mussels is poised to become one of the most impactful short documentaries of the year.

One thing is clear—this story proves that creativity and courage can open doors to the world stage. Is Indonesia ready to produce more young filmmakers like them?