In the afternoon, in Ruang Seminar Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, the light of the screen merged with the thunderous applause of the youth in attendance, praising and appreciating. They came to celebrate the works contesting in the Student Competition Program, a space for creative young people to explore. Among the atmosphere of excitement, one of the directors said, “Being able to bring our rudimentary work to Festival Film Dokumenter is a pride.”
The directors attended the discussion as the representative of each film: Henge’dho (Sesilia Y. Y. Klaran, 2023), Roleplay (Daffa Aqilla Hanif, 2024), and Tahapun (Marsheila Cantika Mataratu, 2023). In a question-and-answer session, they shared the behind-the-scenes stories of their creative process. There was no one that represented Mentari Sang Penakluk Gelombang (Ahmad Wildan, 2023) due to their inability to attend. Meanwhile, Ua Tuak & Nalle Tasik (Marissa D.C.L. Tilman, 2023) were represented by Amandus, the camera person and editor of the film.
Magnis P. Exela, as the moderator, opened the discussion with a question that sparked enthusiasm, asking how they got the ideas that drove the story. Daffa shared that the inspiration for Roleplay (2024) came after knowing his friend was involved in that virtual world. Sesilia, who brought the story of Henge’dho (2023), wanted the audience to believe that Hange’dho is not just a tradition of nose kissing but also a meaningful ritual. Marsheila, the director of Tahapun (2023), initiated bringing tahapun verse back to life, the Helo’s cultural habit that slowly vanished amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Meanwhile, Amandus said that Ua Tuak & Nalle Tasik (2023) expressed their appreciation for palm trees and the sea that inspired them.
Other questions were thrown, talking about dreams and hopes. “Do you see films as the path of the future? Do you want to be a filmmaker?” They admitted that this journey began when the teachers at school trusted them to make the films. Despite their interest, they were still exploring this desire. Dreaming to study film in college is up in the air, they reckon. Another question asked by the audience who was eager to know, “Does making this documentary change your view?” They frankly answered that an in-depth research process scrutinizing the traditions, understanding the parties involved, and collaborating in learning had opened their eyes. They were very grateful for the experience they had in this process. The session concluded with two simple words from an audience, “You guys are cool,” sincere expressions that seemed to unite them all in appreciation and pride.
Festival Film Dokumenter 2024 testified that what is on screen is not only a medium to entertain but also a space for the youth (maybe us, as well) to knit their dreams and vice hope.
Covered by Tirza Kanya on November 7, 2024. (Ed. Vanis/Trans. Shafira Rahmasari)
