Series Classification: G (General Audiences)
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Dewi Astutipuji
An Indonesian-Kiwi says her migration to New Zealand for a better life is not unlike the Hijra: the move from Makkah to Medina by followers of the prophet Muhammad to escape persecution, as described in the Koran.
Dewi Astutipuji left Indonesia and settled in Hamilton, determined to build a new life and secure a future for herself and her two daughters.
To do so initially involved leaving her daughters behind -- a decision which caused pain and anguish.
Recently, Dewi's daughters Kyla and Keiza joined her in NZ, so she now feels free of that haunting memory.
Dewi Astutipuji in her garden at her home in Hamilton. Photo: Photography by Disorient Pictures Ltd
While in NZ, she met her Dutch husband Sjaack on a dating website. "It's a very modern romance," she says.
Dewi believes living in NZ has decreased her stress, and she is a calmer and happier person.
"In Indonesia, I was always in a rush. Here, I am learning about patience and I feel peace, I feel happy."
Just before she left Indonesia, she won a beauty and cosmetic local competition, which has inspired her to help her friends with tips and tricks on how to create different looks with makeup.
She adores cooking -- particularly the Indonesian food she learned from her mother -- as she loves seeing the joy it brings to her family and others. "Anything spicy. I love spicy," she says.
"The first time I cooked, I was 16 years old. My family had a small restaurant and I learned most of my mother's recipes."
Her dream is to own her own Indonesian restaurant in Hamilton or further north, proudly recreating her mother's dishes for locals to enjoy.
She says her parents are very happy she has established a new home for her own family in NZ.
Dewi Astutipuji as she prepares Indonesian food as lunch for a big gathering. Photo: Photography by Disorient Pictures Ltd
Dewi Astutipuji and Director Ghazaleh Golbakhsh talking about a frame about to be filmed at Dewi's home in Hamilton. Photo: Photography by Disorient Pictures Ltd
Dewi - This Is Us | Photography by Disorient Pictures Ltd
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Ghazaleh Golbakhsh, Director Photo: Photography by Sascha Stejko
Series director Ghazaleh Golbakhsh is an Iranian-New Zealand writer, filmmaker, and Fulbright scholar who has recently completed her PhD in Media and Communications.
She has written and directed award-winning short films. Ghazaleh is currently developing her first feature screenplay and publishing her first book of personal essays.
| Twitter: @baronessghaz | Instagram: @ghazalehgol |
Photo: RNZ/NZ On Air
