Raminten Universe: Life is a Cabaret, Film Screening

Raminten Universe: Life is a Cabaret is a rare opportunity to experience a powerful story from Indonesia’s queer cultural underground and legendary drag cabaret, screening in Australia for the very first time.

Presented by the Indonesian Queer Collective (IQC), a registered charity cultural organisation dedicated to advancing Indonesian queer arts and cultural visibility, this acclaimed documentary invites audiences into the vibrant world of Raminten Cabaret in Yogyakarta. The film explores how a flamboyant drag persona created by cultural entrepreneur the late Hamzah Sulaiman evolved into an iconic cultural institution blending traditional Javanese aesthetics with contemporary performance, Raminten Cabaret. Now standing as a lating legacy following his passing last year.

Produced by Dena Rachman and directed by award-winning filmmaker Nia Dinata, the documentary offers an intimate look at how performance spaces can become unexpected sites of belonging for artists across identities.

The 95-minute screening will be followed by a Q&A with Dena Rachman or Nia Dinata, in person (or via live Zoom if travel is not possible). As part of this experience, guests will enjoy an Indonesian canapé tasting: a curated culinary diplomacy moment included in the ticket. Audiences can explore three rice stations: nasi liwet (white rice), nasi kuning (turmeric yellow rice), and nasi pandan (fragrant green rice), with a selection of toppings such as vegetables, eggs, tempeh, and chicken.

More than a film night, this event invites audiences to watch, taste, and connect discovering Indonesian queer culture through storytelling, conversation, and shared food.