Dewi
Restricted by her grandfather due to her deafness, Dewi finds renewed enthusiasm through Ayu, who can be a model, and Rino, who is a blogger and photographer, both of whom share her deafness.
Summary
Dewi (2024) follows a young woman whose life has been tightly controlled by her grandfather, largely because he believes her deafness makes the outside world too dangerous or difficult for her. Isolated and discouraged from pursuing her own interests, Dewi gradually begins to regain her confidence after meeting Ayu, a deaf woman who works as a model, and Rino, a deaf blogger and photographer. Their friendship introduces her to new possibilities and encourages her to see her deafness not as a limitation, but as one part of her identity. As Dewi becomes more involved with Ayu and Rino, she starts exploring self-expression, friendship, and the prospect of making choices for herself. The film’s central conflict lies between her grandfather’s protective—but restrictive—attitude and Dewi’s growing desire for independence. Ayu represents an example of someone challenging conventional expectations, while Rino’s work behind the camera offers another way to observe and interpret the world. At its heart, Dewi is a coming-of-age drama about autonomy, confidence, and the importance of being seen and understood on one’s own terms. It also considers the experiences of deaf people, including the barriers created by overprotection and social assumptions. Through Dewi’s gradual awakening, the film emphasizes the value of community and representation, presenting friendship as a source of strength as she begins to imagine a fuller, more self-directed life.
