Aris (Chicco Kurniawan) is a Muslim teenager who lives in rural Indonesia with his mother (Karlina Inawati). As he approaches manhood, he is reluctantly preparing to follow the religious and cultural traditions of his family and community. Aris’ mother has found Aris a bride and the two families are preparing for the upcoming wedding ceremony.

Aris is apprehensive and nervous about marrying Gita (Gladhys Elliona Syahutari). During an awkward lesson from her father, Mr. Fausi (Otig Pakis), Gita senses Aris’ discomfort and embarrassment. Mr. Fausi articulates Aris’ responsibility to make his wife happy and emphasizes that his sexual performance is the key to a successful marriage. When Aris tells his mother about the humiliation he experienced and tries to convey his hesitation and unhappiness about his impending wedding, she insists that getting married and having a family is the only solution. Whether it’s the length of his hair or his lack of exercise, it seems that Aris is unable to completely satisfy his mother’s or his community’s expectations for his life and his future, despite his own apprehension and sadness.

Aris longs for the freedom of western civilization and his own identity, both of which are represented by his English instructor (Jacob McCarthy). After Aris admits that he doesn’t want to go through with his wedding, the two men share a passionate kiss, solidifying Aris’ true emotions and desires.

The big day has arrived. Aris gets dressed and timidly looks at himself in the mirror. Staring back at him is an innocent and confused young man about to sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of his family and community.

The English translation for the Indonesian word “pria” is “man." After viewing this short film several times, I’m confident that "Pria" is the perfect title. On one hand, “pria” represents the expectations put on Aris as a result of his culture and religion. In order to follow tradition, he must begin his journey into manhood and adhere to the beliefs set before him, even though he is still only a teenager. In his family and community, being a man means having a successful arranged marriage to a woman selected by his family and doing all that is necessary to please her and have a family with her. This is in stark contrast to what many in the western world think it means to be a man. There are many different faces of masculinity, but being a man is about truly being comfortable with who you are and having the courage to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Real men possess admirable internal characteristics, such as strength, bravery, and honesty.

"Pria" is a great Indonesian short film that I Absolutely recommend. Not only did I enjoy the storyline, but I also thought the acting was praiseworthy. Chicco Kurniawan’s performance as Aris was especially solid. I found him to be relatable and entirely convincing as an afflicted and unsettled young man faced with the most difficult and emotionally-draining decision of his life. His character was easy to connect with, which I think, in large part, was due to the fact that the dialogue wasn’t overdone or exaggerated. As I watched Aris struggle with his situation and could see his innermost thoughts and feelings in his facial expressions and through his body language, I understood his pain and greatly empathized with him. In fact, the last time I watched the film, I did so without turning on the English subtitles. Even though I already knew the plot, the emotional story was clearly conveyed by the impressive performances of the actors. While I understand its significance in advancing the plot, I didn’t love the physical interaction between the student and teacher, which I found to be rather inappropriate.

Although I don’t agree with pressuring a child to get married or forcing someone to be something or someone he isn’t, I do understand that cultural and religious traditions and customs are extremely important to many families. It’s hard enough being a closeted LGBTQ person, but at least having the choice not to pursue or develop a heterosexual relationship or marriage that you don’t want or aren’t completely committed to offers some relief. The truth is, however, that it’s just not that easy for everyone. When it comes to arranged marriages, being a closeted LGBTQ person who is obligated to forgo his own desires and happiness for the sake of honoring tradition and familial expectations, is probably one of the most difficult things a person could ever have to endure. Put yourself in Aris’ shoes...If you were him, what would you do?

After watching this film several times, I was inspired to educate myself a little more about Indonesian culture and its customs, particularly the tradition of arranged marriages. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, emotional, and introspective quick flick, be sure to check out "Pria." You won’t be disappointed.