Leaf on a Pillow depicts the rough and tumble daily life of three young homeless kids on the streets of Yogyakarta. During the day they scrounge a living in the crowded, nar­row streets of the market area of the city. At night they share a deserted corner of the market place with Asih, a middle aged woman who serves as a substitute mother. With the exception of Christine Hakim (Asih) real homeless children comprise the entire cast. In this Cannes 1998 selection, shocking reality sits alongside lyrical moments and images of poignancy and warmth. Director Garin Nugroho's gift is for tackling sensitive social issues without preaching, and eliciting inspired natural performances from his cast.