TEHRAN – MD Pictures, one of Indonesia’s leading production companies, has announced plans to release a remake of the acclaimed 1997 Iranian film “Heaven’s Children.” The new version, directed by renowned filmmaker Hanun Bramancho, is scheduled for release in 2026 and aims to bring a heartfelt story of two brothers’ resilience to Indonesian screens, set in the city of Semarang.
Children of Heaven is a world-famous film directed by Majid Majidi that tells the story of a young brother and sister who share a pair of shoes after losing their own. The film explores themes of poverty, innocence, and hope through a simple yet powerful narrative lens. Majidi’s classic family film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in 1999, making it the first Iranian film to be nominated for an Oscar.
The Indonesian version focuses on the conflicts and unbreakable bond between brothers, retaining the emotional core of the original but moving the story to Semarang, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant city life. The film follows the journey of Ali and Zahra, an impoverished brother and sister living on the outskirts of Semarang. When their shoes go missing, they must hide the truth from their parents, requiring a series of covert efforts to carry on with their daily lives. The boy’s earnest desire to place third in a local race becomes a key point in the story, symbolizing the boy’s desire to restore dignity and happiness to his family.
The important roles of Ali and Zahra are played by young Indonesian actors Jared Ali and Umayra Jafra. Both actors make their debuts in important roles, bringing fresh energy and authenticity to beloved characters. Veteran actor and respected figure in the Indonesian film industry, Slamet Rahardjo, joins the cast, adding depth and weight to the project.
Director Hanun Bramancho, known for his versatile talent and successful films, is at the helm of this remake. Mr. Bramancho recently led a session titled “Children of Heaven: The Art of Film Adaptation” at the MD Pictures booth during the Jakarta Asian Film Festival (JAFF) market, where he discussed the challenges and creative process of adapting foreign masterpieces for Indonesian audiences.
Produced by director Manoj Punjabi under MD Pictures, the film is part of the company’s ambitious line-up for 2026. MD Pictures is betting big on remakes and franchises as it aims to strengthen its position at home and abroad. The company’s plans include a diverse range of projects, from literary adaptations to genre films and franchise expansions, reflecting Indonesia’s growing influence in regional cinema.
The Children of Heaven remake will be a grounded and emotional family drama with an emphasis on authentic storytelling and cultural relevance. Set in Semarang, the film offers a fresh perspective, allowing Indonesian viewers to connect with the story’s universal themes through a local perspective.
Indonesia’s film industry is experiencing a renaissance, with a proliferation of high-quality productions that seek a balance between artistic ambition and commercial appeal. “Children of Heaven” joins a roster of projects that demonstrate the diversity of Indonesia’s film industry and its growing confidence in making films with international appeal.
Scheduled to be released in 2026, Indonesia’s “Children of Heaven” is expected to be a major movie event, attracting not only audiences who know the original movie but also audiences seeing it for the first time. The film aims to evoke the same emotions that made the Iranian version a global success, inspiring hope, resilience and compassion.
Photo: A scene from the Indonesian remake of “Children of Heaven”
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