Screaming in Silence through Body Movement on Screen

Indonesia has a history of unresolved socio-political issues, including human rights violations from 1965 to 1998, which still cause pain and trauma. Discussing gender diversity is also challenging due to significant censorship in films and societal reactions to these issues. The film Memories of My Body (2018), directed by Garin Nugroho and based on the life of dancer Rianto, uses dance to convey complex emotions and advocate for gender diversity. It follows Juno’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance through body movements that blend masculine and feminine traits. This chapter explores how the dance sequences used in the film express themes of pain, trauma, and desire, providing a creative platform for marginalized voices in a restrictive environment.