Discussing Documentary Database, Education, and its Evolving Roles  

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FFD 2023

Film database plays a vital role in the continuity and sustainability of the film ecosystem. It can also be an important archive that is functional in supporting educational learning. Therefore, Forum Film Dokumenter (FFD) initiated the Database Program to reactivate hundreds of film collections that have been screened at Festival Film Dokumenter so that they can be distributed to wider screening spaces, especially in formal classrooms.

With this in mind, a DOC Talk entitled “Documentary Database, Education, and its Evolving Roles” was held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Taking place at Cemeti-Institute for Art and Society, this DOC Talk presented Suluh Pamuji (Executive Director of KDM CINEMA) and Michael A. Chandra (FFD Database Program Manager) as speakers, with Sazkia Noor Anggriani (filmmaker and academic) acting as moderator. The discussion was attended by participants from various backgrounds, ranging from filmmakers, film programmers, to educators from various levels of education.

For Suluh, the database is a reference trunk of old documentary films that play an important role as a reference source to support teaching materials in the classroom. However, educators sometimes find it difficult to get access to these films. Not many have “circles” or direct connections to production houses, producers, directors, and distributors who are willing to provide direct access to the films needed. “How is the access for exhibition, appreciation, and education needed? Okay, there is the film material, but not the access.” Suluh raised the question that was running through the heads of the DOC Talk participants that day. To answer it, Suluh asked Chandra as the FFD Database Manager to continue the presentation.

Through FFD, Chandra has started the process of archiving documentary films since 2005–2006. Assisted by volunteers, they began categorizing films based on their themes and genres. However, all access to the documentary archives stored at FFD can only be obtained by visiting the FFD office directly. The problem is, the office is certainly not open every day, all the time. You need to make an appointment in advance. Considering this limitation, FFD tried to find a way out. The existing documentary database was developed, furthermore, trying to be transformed into a digital archive. The effort was materialized through the development of the website filmdokumenter.id, which will be released on December 20, 2023. This page contains more than 200 films that are part of Festival Film Dokumenter’s year-round program. There are synopsis, screening tracks, production team profiles, and classification of film topics provided for easy access.

Chandra hopes that filmdokumenter.id can be used as a reference source to support teaching materials for educators, both teachers and lecturers. To maximize the quality and service, this page is also equipped with data filters. Users can search for movies that suit their material needs through a tag list that contains a variety of topics and genres. Starting from history, law, government, socio-culture, and so forth. In addition, carrying out participatory and democratic principles, there is also a data revision feature that can be used by page accessors, especially filmmakers, to provide feedback if there are films that are deemed not in line with the predetermined categorization.

Applying for access to the films available at filmdokumenter.id can be done in simple steps, which are select, borrow, and play. Before that, the user needs to register an account first so that the manager can verify the identity of the person accessing the films. Once validated, the user can fill out the form and wait for approval.

This effort to further socialize documentary films was welcomed by the DOCTalk participants. This page is considered to be an integral by-pass between the page manager, the audience, and the filmmakers. Of course, in the process, there are still many things that need to be developed and updated. Given that the focus and target audience of filmdokumenter.id is primarily educators, the network of collaborative efforts with various elements, including the government, needs to be further enhanced.

Despite all the challenges, Chandra emphasized that the key to the success and utilization of this website is the chain of trust. Trust between the manager and the users of the website. “As long as you can utilize this platform properly and honestly, it will be easy.” Chandra stated. Suluh added that the impact of utilizing documentary films as teaching materials cannot solely depend on the distribution aspect through the filmdokumenter.id page. After all, the impact of a film has actually been designed long before the filmmaker starts working on it. “The impact of the film has to be planned ahead, since the film itself is being developed.”

Documentary film database can be a new alternative in improving and varying learning in education. In the process, of course, it needs a collective spirit and active collaboration from various parties. That way, it is hoped that filmdokumenter.id can truly be realized as a productive and progressive interaction gate for educational activities, at least in this country.

Covered by Hesty N. Tyas on December 6, 2023.