Festival Film Dokumenter 2019

Since it was first edition in 2002, Festival Film Dokumenter (FFD) has become the main event organized by Forum Film Dokumenter. This festival occupies the function of exhibition, appreciation, as well as education on the Indonesian documentary ecosystem. This festival also marks the closing of ASIADOC and The Feelings of Reality programs, which carry education and exploration missions. We think this thing is suitable as an implementation of the slogan “Recording the Remnants, Searching for the Unseen, Finding Insight”, from which we set to contemplate and compile the phenomena around us through the programs presented.

Films in the Competition program will definitely bring forth many critical perspectives through the creative works of the filmmakers, be them from Indonesia or abroad. Perspektif program launches a discussion space for us to dive into the deepest trough in the world that is our mind and specifically discuss the discourse on mental health along with the context that surrounds it. Sensory Ethnography and The Feelings of Reality programs probe to explore the sensory experience of audiences with an exhibition that will provide different experiences. Spektrum will present the creative side of documentary through animation–which forever challenges our understanding of the representation of reality in the documentary. In addition, many other programs offering collective experiences from various regions and countries will be a perfect place for unprejudiced discussion.

For our 18th year, we want FFD to become a platform of equality and safety for all parties involved in it. Since my first time in 2011, FFD has always been a creative forum and learning space for all the parties joining it. We wish FFD to become a safe, inclusive, and equal place, a place where we can all freely discuss and express opinions; an asylum that is free from persecution, stigma, and other forms of discrimination.

Watching documentaries in FFD in December seems to have become a ritual for us to take a step back, to help us reflect on the incidents that happened during the past one to two years. This year, we would once again present various discourses and new things to share with the public.

We especially thank all the partners who have helped support the festival. This support gives me optimism that the documentary continues to make a real contribution to society.

Henricus Pria