Depok-The development of the local film industry in Indonesia is increasingly increasing. Based on data from the Indonesian Film Board (BPI), in 2024 there will be around 150 local film productions with a total audience of 60 million people. However, there are still a number of films that have a total audience of less than one million people. For this reason, more screens are needed to further improve the film ecosystem in Indonesia. In response to this condition, efforts are needed to foster a culture of appreciation for local films and provide a stage for short film works. Responding to this need, the Monthly Film Festival or known as Fesbul, was present at the Auditorium of the Vocational Education Program, University of Indonesia on October 21, 2024. The event, which was held by the Multimedia Broadcasting study program, invited students to celebrate and fight for the existence of local films in their own country. The event, which carried the theme “Precarious Becomes Important”, presented two practitioners in the film industry, namely Abdul Manaf, the founder of Fesbul, and Maria Deandra, a film director.
Muhammad Amin Abdullah, Director of Creative Industry for Music, Film, and Animation at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, and also a lecturer at UI Vocational, said that he saw great potential in local films that had not been explored, especially on campuses that could become centers for this movement. With the presence of Fesbul at UI Vocational, Amin brought hope about how important alternative cinema is in Indonesia. “Local films only last 3-4 days in large cinemas. I hope that UI Vocational can become a pioneer in alternative cinemas to screen new films,” he said.
(Photo: Amin said that UI Vocational can be a place to produce quality Indonesian filmmakers)
Abdul Manaf opened the talk show session with the story of Fesbul’s journey, which grew from a strong drive to provide space for short films that often lack a place in the national film market. Starting with no direct background in the film world, Abdul faced the challenge with courage to create a festival that was inclusive and close to the local film community throughout Indonesia. He saw great potential in short films, but also realized that many local filmmakers found it difficult to compete with works from big cities like Jakarta.
The festival then became unique with its monthly open submission system and zoning to create a fairer competition space for filmmakers from various regions. Through this method, Fesbul has succeeded in building a bridge between film communities from all over Indonesia, from Makassar to Gorontalo. “Not only highlighting quality, Fesbul also recognizes the importance of distribution for short films, to fill the gap in platforms that have so far caused many valuable works made by the nation’s children to disappear from the attention of the audience. We hope that Fesbul can be a place for young filmmakers to learn, network, and understand the ins and outs of distribution from an early age,” said Abdul.
(Photo: Abdul invites students to discuss the world of film in Indonesia)
Meanwhile, Maria Deandra, a young director, shared how film can be the most complex yet influential art medium. Short films, as a form of work that is often overlooked, actually have great potential as an effective and dynamic medium to express ideas and creative expression. Maria said, “It is important for everyone to believe in the creative process, which teaches participants that the journey from idea to screen requires perseverance, precision, and strong teamwork.”
The theme “Critical Becomes Important”, which was brought to this event, reflects the critical conditions in the film industry which actually opens up opportunities for positive change. This was conveyed by the Head of the Department of Applied Social Humanities, Dr. Budiman Mahmud Mustofa, S.Sos., M.Si., that the theme “Critical Becomes Important” offers the perspective that in the midst of limitations, there is always a great opportunity to learn and develop, especially in the world of film.
The Fesbul event at UI Vocational was closed with the screening of short films from various regions that had been curated by Fesbul. From the films screened, we could feel the diversity of stories and unique expressions from local filmmakers. Each short film carries a unique message and shows how broad the creativity of Indonesian filmmakers is. This film festival is an important momentum for filmmakers and film fans to share insights, inspiration, and support. The spirit of collaboration and appreciation for local films carried by Fesbul makes “Critical Becomes Important” a theme that is not only relevant, but also inspires all parties to continue working in facing all challenges in the film industry.
