MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Museum at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) kicked off a special event on Saturday, May 24, featuring a public screening of the film Nyai Ahmad Dahlan. The program marks the start of a week-long film showing that will run until June 1, 2025, with four screenings each day at the museum.
The event aims to introduce the public to the life and legacy of Siti Walidah, widely known as Nyai Ahmad Dahlan, a pioneer of women’s empowerment and the wife of Muhammadiyah’s founder, Ahmad Dahlan. It offers visitors a chance to not only revisit history but also be inspired by her dedication to justice and education.
Nyai Ahmad Dahlan is a biographical film released on August 24, 2017. Directed by Olla Atta Adonara and starring Tika Bravani, the film told the story of a brave woman who fought for gender equality and access to education. Her life reflected the values of courage, compassion, and community service.
The opening event also featured a talk show with Dyah Kalsitorini, the film’s screenwriter, who has spent 30 years working in the film industry. She described writing the script as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career.
“Nyai Walidah is a role model to me. When I did research and read about her, I was deeply moved. MasyaAllah, I thought that this woman was fearless, respected by the Japanese, and committed to equality,” said Dyah.
Dyah shared that the emotional process of writing the script brought her to tears, something she had never experienced when writing other films. Dyah also highlighted how Nyai Ahmad Dahlan lived out the values of the Qur’an and Hadith through real action.
“Nyai Walidah lived to do good, loved helping others, and often gave charity. She gathered women not to gossip, but to make plans to apply the values of Al-Ma’un,” she said.
To ensure the story was accurate, Dyah worked closely with several senior members of ‘Aisyiyah.
“I hope this film inspires everyone, and I apologize if there are any shortcomings,” she added.
The event reflects the Muhammadiyah Museum UAD’s mission to pass on historical values and knowledge through film and museum activities. Visitors are encouraged to join the screenings and take part in the program until it ends on June 1, 2025.
