It is said that Mira Lesmana was part of a wave of Indonesian film-makers who helped revitalise the film industry when it went through a slump in the early 2000s. Among the few female movie producers in Indonesia, Lesmana founded Miles Productions in 1996 despite scepticism among her peers.

Under Miles Productions, Lesmana debuted her first film, the portmanteau movie Kuldesak in 1999. A year later, she produced the musical Petualangan Sherina (Sherina’s Adventure), which was released during the decline of the entertainment industry when films couldn’t make a profit. However, Lesmana’s film was well received by audiences.

She persisted, and in 2002 released Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? (What’s up with Love?). At the Indonesian Film Festival two years later, Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? won many awards. Lesmana continues to produce award-winning films that marry the modern and traditional sides of Indonesian life and culture.

Mira Lesmana is the daughter of a famous Indonesian musician couple, Nien and Jack Lesmana.