Depok-A short horror film entitled “Tekaté” by students of the Multimedia Broadcasting study program at the Universitas Indonesia (UI), Vocational Education Program, has won the Best Found Footage Horror Film Award at the Oregon Screams Horror Film Festival Fall 2025. This victory is a significant achievement because “Tekaté” is the only work from Indonesia, or even Asia, to qualify and win an award at the film festival.
The film “Tekaté” was born from a short film production assignment by the Dos Media team. Director Frans Mahen, a Vocational student at the Universitas Indonesia (UI), explained that the idea for the film arose from a desire to create something different from typical drama-themed assignments. With a crew of 11 and minimal equipment, the team successfully created a captivating found-footage horror film.
The success of “Tekaté” extends beyond Oregon to international screens, with screenings at the Atlanta After Dark Film Festival Fall 2025 and the Lift-Off Global Network Sessions 2025 in the UK. The screening at the Clinton Street Theatre, one of the oldest movie theaters in the United States, is a testament to the film’s quality.
(Photo: Poster for the film Tekaté by Frans Mahen, a student in the Multimedia Broadcasting study program)
This brilliant achievement, according to the Head of the Multimedia Broadcasting Study Program, Peny Meliaty Hutabarat, S.Sos., M.S.M., is a reflection of the quality of the work of UI Vocational students who are able to compete on the global stage, beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Full support from the entire UI Vocational academic community, including the Director of UI Vocational Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, helped create a creative climate conducive to the birth of innovative works.
Now, “Tekaté” has the incredible opportunity to reach a wider audience through streaming on Vimeo On Demand. This opportunity is part of the Lift-Off Global Network, a prestigious platform known for supporting and promoting independent cinema from around the world. The film will be available to watch until October 5, 2025, giving moviegoers ample time to experience this promising work.
It is crucial for audiences and supporters of the film to actively participate in the journey of “Tekaté.” The public is specifically invited to provide their support through a voting mechanism. Every vote is important, as it will determine whether “Tekaté” can advance to the next stage, namely the Season Awards for the Lift-Off Global Network Sessions 2025. This award is a significant recognition in the independent film industry, and winning will open the door wider for “Tekaté” to global attention and wider distribution opportunities. Audience support is crucial in helping the film reach its full potential internationally.
