Behind the Scenes of Dilan ITB 1997

Directed by

Eko Kristianto

Behind the Scenes of Dilan (Di Balik Layar Dilan) is an approximately 75-minute observational documentary that captures Ariel NOAH’s journey as he is entrusted with the role of the adult Dilan—a decision that immediately sparked public debate. Amidst the commentary, expectations, and the weight of nostalgia attached to the figure of Dilan, the film goes beyond simply observing the acting process; it dissects how a fictional character transforms into a collective memory contested by many. From Bandung as the birthplace of the myth, through intimate reading rooms, to the final day of shooting, the documentary follows Ariel's transformation as a human being, a public figure, and a new vessel for an icon. Ultimately, the film poses one profound question: when a myth changes bodies, who is truly being tested—the actor, the character, or the audience's own memory?