Nan Triveni Achnas, a celebrated Indonesian film director, boasts a multifaceted and eclectic professional trajectory. Born in Singapore in 1963, her early years were marked by a significant period of growth and development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Achnas's academic odyssey commenced at the Jakarta Institute of the Arts, where she earned a degree from the Faculty of Film and Television, providing a sturdy foundation for her subsequent achievements. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and expertise propelled her to pursue a master's degree in Film Studies at the esteemed University of East Anglia in the year 1996, where she was honored with a prestigious Chevening Scholarship.
Achnas, a talented and ambitious individual, embarked on a remarkable journey during her tenure at the University of East Anglia, where she took the reins of directing her diploma film, "The Only Day", a project that would ultimately culminate in a resounding success at the Asian Young Cinema Film Festival in Tokyo, claiming the prestigious Grand Prix award in 1988. This early triumph served as a springboard for a career in filmmaking that would span many years and be marked by numerous accolades and achievements.
Decades after her initial foray into the world of filmmaking, Achnas would embark on a remarkable journey, culminating in her triumphant return to academia, where she would ultimately achieve the esteemed title of Doctor of Philosophy. This remarkable feat was accomplished at Nanyang Technological University Singapore in the year 2020.
Her groundbreaking doctoral thesis, titled "Experimenting with the essay form and wayang in contemporary Indonesian filmmaking: when shadows are grey," was a meticulously researched and deeply nuanced exploration of her craft, delving into the intricate complexities and multifaceted nature of her work.
Noteworthy besides her esteemed profession as a film director, Achnas is a devoted educator, devoting her time and expertise to instructing film at the Jakarta Institute of the Arts, an institution renowned for being the premier film school in Indonesia.
