The film that launched a new realism in Indonesian cinema. In 1995, director Garin made Kancil′s Tale of Freedom, a documentary about the life of kids on the streets of Jogjakarta. Unfortunately three of the four children he filmed died from accidents. Christin Hakim, considered the national actress, decided to work with Nugroho after being deeply moved by this documentary. The two join forces in 1998 when the Indonesian film industry meets its worst decline due to the economic crisis, and make the film Leaf on a Pillow. Leaf on a Pillow can been seen as a continuation of Kancil′s Tale of Freedom. In this film, street kids are cast as the main characters while the storyline depends heavily on the experience of these children. The reason why this film carries such significance in the history of Indonesian cinema is the film′s social impact and its contribution to the establishment of an Indonesian realism. Furthermore, this film affected the lives of the film crew by reminding them of the reality that surrounds them and the true meaning of life. The children who were cast in this film went through change as well. Leaf on a Pillow has truly marked a new beginning in the history of Indonesian cinema. (Kim Ji-Seok)