Festival Film Dokumenter 2024 presents the Student Competition program with 5 selected films. This year’s Student Competition shows the efforts of the younger generation in exploring issues around them through documentary films. They act like “detectives” to uncover social issues, intergenerational relations, and the challenges of globalization. While traditional themes are still dominant, these films also reflect the filmmakers’ desire to understand the world more critically. The students bring fresh storytelling and unique perspectives, showing honesty and authenticity in their reflections on the issues addressed. Thus, student films are not only a documentation but also a means to train sensitivity, hone curiosity, and improve critical thinking skills. The five films are Henge’dho (Sesilia Y. Y. Klaran, 2023), Mentari Sang Penakluk Gelombang (Ahmad Wildan Pattilouw, 2023), Roleplay (Daffa Aqilla Hanif, 2024), Tahapun (Marsheila Cantika Mataratu, 2023), and Ua Tuak & Nalle Tasik (Marissa D.C.L. Tilman, 2023).
The inclusion of three judges with diverse backgrounds is expected to strengthen the way films in this category are perceived. The three judges in the FFD 2024 Student Competition program are Dyah Kusumaningrum, a lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada, who focuses on peace, gender, and political studies, as well as nonviolent resistance. Permata Adinda, a journalist working at Project Multatuli, has received an award from the SOPA 2024 Awards for her writing on abortion stigma in Indonesia. As a film critic, she also won the Tanete Pong Masak award at the Festival Film Indonesia 2023. Rounding out the jury, Valencia Winata is a film researcher active in ARKIPEL and Forum Film Dokumenter, Yogyakarta. Currently, she studies Cultural Studies with research focusing on the history, aesthetics, and film culture.
The three jury saw the distinctiveness of the five films they watched, especially since four of them were from the eastern region, which has often been marginalized. According to the jury, this is a sign of change in the way student filmmakers address issues. The jury also expressed hope for films that are “naughty,” in the sense of challenging the status quo, explorative, and dynamic in narrative—addressing questions that often arise in society. In addition, they appreciated the increasing participation of female directors. Although some of the films still have room for improvement in commenting on and articulating critical themes, the jury appreciated the students’ boldness in using varied methods.
The discussion to decide the winners began with a general review of each movie, followed by an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each film. Each jury brought a different perspective, but respected each other’s views, in the hope that viewers and filmmakers would trust their decisions. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, the jury managed to reach a solid unanimity in choosing the best films, showing that different perspectives enrich their deliberation process and result in well-considered decisions.
The jury decided not to select a Best Student Film award this time, as they felt that there was no film that fully explored critical thinking in depth. However, the jury awarded a Jury’s Special Mention to Henge’dho (Sesilia Y. Y. Klaran, 2023) for its creative effort in bringing up a cultural topic with a unique approach. The decision not to select the Best Film does not mean a lack of appreciation, but rather a hope for student filmmakers to be able to package their work more maturely, both in terms of statement, narrative, and audiovisual aspects.
Festival Film Dokumenter 2024 is proud and happy to present Henge’dho (2023) directed by Sesilia Y. Y. Klaran, as the recipient of the Jury’s Special Mention award in the Student Competition category.
Covered by FadliAwan on 3 November 2024. (Ed. Vanis/Trans. Naufal Shabri)
