Vienna-based sales outfit Odd Slice Films has acquired worldwide rights for A Distant Call, the debut film ofAndrea Suwito, following its world premiere at Hot Docs & European premiere at Visions Du Réel.
The film follows Eka, one of the last remaining ‘bissu’, the spiritual leaders of the Bugis, one of the largest ethnic groups in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
“This group recognizes five genders: man, woman, trans man, trans woman and the ‘bissu’. The latter are believed to embody both masculine and feminine souls and once held a special place in society and religious beliefs,” the film’s synopsis reads.
“But in a modern world that increasingly sees the bissu as relics of the past, Eka finds themselves torn between tradition, faith, and self. This brings Eka to take a life-changing decision to leave their bissu role behind.”
“This documentary opens a vibrant world in which fluid identities and competing belief systems exist side by side, offering a perspective unlike anything many audiences may be familiar with. Through Eka’s journey, the film explores identity, spirituality, and the quiet courage it takes to find belonging in a world that insists on definitions,” the synopsis continues.
Martina Droandi, founder of Odd Slice Films, comments: “Andrea Suwito’s first feature has all the elements of a strong documentary for international audiences. It opens a window into a specific culture and place which is both informative and cinematic. Eka is a force of nature. The film fits perfectly our editorial line, as we represent intellectually daring & author-driven documentaries with unusual yet important contemporary subjects. A DISTANT CALL is an intimate slice of a life and a community, which is at risk of losing its traditions.”
A 43-minute version following the last remaining bissu is also available for sales, with the title The Five Genders of the Sulawesi. This version was commissioned by ZDF/Arte and provides an overview of Bugis culture.
A Distant Call is produced by Finbar Somers for Umbra Motion Picture Company (UK), Mandy Marahimin for Talamedia (ID) & Xavier Rocher for La Fabrica Nocturna Cinéma (FR). The project has participated in many development labs, including Docs By The Sea, Cannes Docs, the Points North Fellowship and Visions du Réel VdR–Rough Cut Lab. It has secured support from, among others, DMZ Docs and the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation-SGIFF Southeast Asian Documentary (SEA-DOC) Production Fund, and Visions Sud Est.
On winning the Visions Sud Est Award at VdR–Industry 2025, the jury recognised “a film that, with a kind and respectful gaze, reminds us of how complex people and societies are, through the fascinating Eka, who embodies rarely known traditions of marginalised indigenous Indonesian cultures. We were impressed by the filmmaker’s intimate and immersive approach to her subject. A Distant Call sheds light on the people of Bissu and their endangered way of life, as well as gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ rights.”
