ERWIN’S STORY

Erwin Darmali is an independent photographer and filmmaker based between Jakarta and Los Angeles, renowned for his mastery in storytelling.
His journey began in 2005 in the world of wedding photography, under the brand Apertura Photography, where his unique, photojournalistic approach quickly set him apart. With numerous prestigious awards to his name, including recognition as one of American Photo’s Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the world, Erwin's work became a global standard of excellence. His passion for teaching and sharing his craft has taken him to stages and workshops across three continents, including a long-standing role as an instructor at the Foundation Workshops in the United States since 2009.

Erwin's evolution as a storyteller took a profound turn with his first documentary project, blending photographs and voice narration to tell the story of a family with a young child diagnosed with autism. The response was immediate and overwhelming—The family received over 100 messages of support within 24 hours of its release. This moment was a revelation, igniting his purpose to create films that could touch and inspire audiences on a deeper level.

Driven by a desire to tell stories that matter, Erwin transitioned from weddings to the world of filmmaking. His first commissioned film for an American painter in Pasadena marked the beginning of his path in creating art documentaries. Since then, Erwin’s films have explored diverse subjects, always anchored by a core belief: that a great story transcends boundaries and connects us all.

His award-winning film The Simplicity of Happiness, shot in Indonesia, received the highest honor at the Films That Inspire Film Festival in Australia in 2020, praised for its moving portrayal of finding joy in the service of others. To this day, it continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Other notable works, like Jim Heimann: Collector, have been featured in Taschen Publishing and Collectors’ Weekly magazine, showcasing Erwin’s talent in capturing the essence of unique individuals. His latest film, The Art of Life: The Mother of Indonesian Artists, made its debut as the headliner of Art Jakarta in October 2024.

For Erwin, filmmaking is more than a craft—it’s a calling. He believes that an inspiring story has the power to change the world, or at the very least, change one life at a time. Through his films, he seeks to do just that.