Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) organized a special screening of the film Children of Heaven for its academic community and students from Muhammadiyah schools at Cinepolis Plaza Medan Fair on Tuesday (June 16).
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd. explained that the screening, held during the public holiday commemorating the Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1448 AH), was part of the university’s efforts to strengthen character education through cultural and artistic media.
The event brought together members of the UMSU academic community and hundreds of students from Muhammadiyah educational institutions, including SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Medan, SMK Muhammadiyah 8 Medan, MA Muhammadiyah 1 Medan, and SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Medan. The screening formed part of Muhammadiyah’s cultural outreach initiative, aimed at instilling values such as empathy, perseverance, patience, gratitude, and resilience among young people.
Prof. Akrim emphasized that the film carries meaningful messages that are highly relevant to today’s students.
“We were eager to watch this film, produced by Hanung Bramantyo in collaboration with the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Institute of Arts and Culture (LSB PP Muhammadiyah). We invited the UMSU and Muhammadiyah communities because we believe this is an excellent film for young generations,” he said.
He also encouraged the wider community, particularly members of the Muhammadiyah family, to watch the film together.
“We encourage everyone to watch this film because it inspires the spirit of perseverance and determination,” he added.
According to the Rector, the story portrayed in Children of Heaven offers valuable life lessons, encouraging young people to remain determined and optimistic despite life’s limitations and challenges.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muthalib, M.M., Secretary of the UMSU Board of Trustees (BPH), and Irwansyah Putra, M.A., Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, described the film as a powerful story of perseverance, sacrifice, and inspiration.
“This film is deeply meaningful and inspiring. It illustrates the struggle to achieve success and reminds us that financial hardship should never become a barrier to pursuing our dreams and building a better future,” said Irwansyah.
UMSU hopes that the moral values conveyed in Children of Heaven will strengthen the character of students while providing an enjoyable yet meaningful educational experience. Beyond its entertainment value, the film offers important lessons on sincerity, self-sacrifice, compassion, and the importance of never giving up in pursuing one’s aspirations.
Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, Children of Heaven is an Indonesian adaptation of the acclaimed Iranian film that received an Academy Award (Oscar) nomination. Released on May 27, 2026, and produced by MD Pictures, the film tells the touching story of siblings Ali and Zahra, who are forced to share a single pair of shoes for school after Zahra’s shoes are lost, highlighting themes of family love, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.
