Arak. Bali’s traditional spirit, used in both ceremony and celebration across the island. Many know the name or have savoured its distinct taste, but few are able to explain how arak Bali is made or where it really comes from.
In October 2021, NOW! Bali released a mini-documentary titled ‘ARAK – Made in Bali’, the second episode in our docu-series ‘Made in Bali’. The short film explores the age-old spirit, shedding light on how arak is made — highlighting the type of arak derived from the coconut tree. The film focuses on a particular arak producing village in the regency of Karangasem: Desa Tri Eka Buana, where more than 80% of the families still make their living from producing arak.
Whilst helping to explain how arak is produced, the 15-minute mini-documentary, also brings the lives and challenges of today’s arak farmers to the forefront, shared through the story of I Wayan Lemes Indrawan, a resident of Tri Eka Buana village. This story is told through beautiful cinematography, highlighting local livelihoods as well as the stunning environment of the Sidemen area, where the village is located.
With the arak industry currently at a crossroads, and the government slowly formalising its production with new regulations, the film shares the rustic, traditional side of arak production in Bali as reminder of the spirit’s original roots. It explores the current difficulties that today’s arak farmers face when it comes to licenses, production, health and safety.
The objective was to create a video that was both visually captivating yet simultaneously informationally rich, complete with a personal story. This was done in collaboration with our production partners, Genesis Creative Centre.
Ultimately, the aim of the film is to bring awareness of arak and arak producers across the island, to cement the spirit as a Balinese heritage product that must be celebrated and preserved — along with the traditional producers.
Watch Now: Arak – Made in Bali
Online Release: 31 January 2022 | 12PM (Bali Time)
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