Representasi Semangat Mengejar Mimpi dalam Film Home Sweet Loan

Film is one of the most effective forms of mass communication for conveying messages to the public. Home Sweet Loan is a film that presents elements of representation reflecting the spirit of a generation in pursuing their dreams. This research aims to identify and understand the various representations of the spirit of pursuing dreams as depicted in the film Home Sweet Loan. Using Roland Barthes semiotic analysis, this study explores the representations by breaking down the denotative, connotative, and mythical meanings embedded in the film’s scenes and dialogues as research data. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through observation, documentation, interviews, and literature review. The findings reveal several representations of the spirit of pursuing dreams, which include: (1) a strong desire to own a home despite limitations, (2) financial discipline in managing income and expenses, (3) independence from social standards and expectations, (4) persistence in facing harsh realities of economic and social pressure, and (5) courage to step out from one’s comfort zone and take risks. These elements collectively reflect the struggles of the younger generation, especially urban communities, in achieving personal independence and long-term aspirations. Overall, the study highlights how Home Sweet Loan functions not only as a medium of entertainment but also as a cultural text that conveys values of resilience, financial awareness, and self-determination. The film illustrates that pursuing dreams requires both perseverance and the ability to resist limiting stereotypes, making it relevant to broader discussions on representation in contemporary Indonesian cinema.