In the midst of the hustle and bustle of documentary development that always crosses and transcends beyond invisible boundaries, Festival Film Dokumenter (FFD) is back in its 23rd year. Through this long process, FFD continues to grow and always creates a space for documentary experimentation that penetrates the boundaries of form, both in narrative innovation and artistic vision.
This year, FFD featured 67 films from 32 countries divided into 9 programs. The programs offered different themes curated by program managers with diverse backgrounds. One of FFD’s mainstay thematic programs, Perspektif, explored the topic of Third Cinema which examines how the Third Cinema movement was present as an action to challenge the cinema movement that preceded it. The programs in FFD 2024 are not only centered on the screening of documentary films, but also include a series of discussions and exhibitions. The festival will be held on November 2-9, 2024 in two locations, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta and IFI-LIP Yogyakarta.
FFD 2024 began with an opening ceremony held at 15.45 WIB, November 2, 2024. Set in the lobby ofMilitaire Societeit, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, the opening ceremony of FFD 2024 was attended by the Head of Adat, Tradisi, Lembaga Budaya dan Seni (Custom, Tradition, Cultural and Art Institutions) of Kundha Kabudayan DI Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Cultural Office). The opening was also attended by documentary filmmakers, interdisciplinary artists, and public guests. Hosted by Alia Damaihati and Vanis as part of Forum Film Dokumenter, the event opened with a series of speeches and closed with a repertoire performance of “Ghost Light” by director Timoteus Anggawan Kusno.
This year, FFD celebrates documentaries that seek to break free from the narrow space that confines them in forms and readings that often question the principles of documentary work. Unfortunately, sometimes it is those principles that limit documentary filmmakers from experimenting with their artistic forms and discourses. Alia Damaihati, Festival Director of FFD 2024 said, “We want to bring the argument about temporality in this year’s programs by not ignoring the existing cinema practices.”
In his speech, Kurnia Yudha F., as the Director of Forum Film Dokumenter, proudly explained the deep roots of FFD’s movement. “The consistent organization for 23 years has made this festival a barometer for documentary development in Indonesia.” He also explained about the IDOCLAB program, which was held again this year in conjunction with FFD. In addition, documentary works from the 2023 IDOCLAB workshop will also be screened at FFD 2024 in the program Lanskap: Rasi Relasi.
The next speech was delivered by François Dabin, Director of IFI Yogyakarta. “FFD has become a wonderful platform that allows audiences to discover (excellent) films from all over the world. FFD also provides an opportunity for young Indonesian filmmakers to show their work to wider audiences and connect with talented journalists,” he said. He also expressed that IFI Yogyakarta is proud to support the realization of FFD 2024.
This year, 12 film screening sessions will be held at the Auditorium of IFI Yogyakarta starting from November 2, 2024. He added that IFI is committed to support the entire FFD event. In his closing speech, François also thanked and congratulated Kurnia Yudha, Alia Damaihati, and all FFD organizers for their dedication. Their hard work has been able to present diverse and quality films consecutively for 23 years of the festival. All these aspects have made FFD one of the oldest film festivals still active in Yogyakarta.
The last speech was delivered by Dra. Y. Eni Lestari Rahayu, Head of Adat, Tradisi, Lembaga Budaya dan Seni (Custom, Tradition, Cultural and Art Institutions) of Kundha Kabudayan DI Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Cultural Office). She expressed her hope that FFD can always be part of the effort to strengthen Indonesian cultural identity and become a means of developing filmmakers. “Let’s appreciate documentary films together. Let’s explore the hidden realities,” she concluded.
After a series of speeches, the opening of FFD 2024 concluded with a live performance of Ghost Light by Director Timoteus Anggawan Kusno. Originally a documentary film—or perhaps a theater film—it was performed live by Ari “Inyong” Dwianto and Jamaluddin Latif who constructed the auditive atmosphere through sound production. On the screen, the actors choreographed a repertoire, building and dismantling ideas about monuments, ghosts and nothingness. This work can also be seen again in audiovisual form in the Exhibition program of FFD 2024.
This year’s FFD 2024 Exhibition Program features the theme of ambiguity. The blurring of film in the definition of moving image that questions motive and meaning, fiction and nonfiction, reality and surreal, opens a gap to the exploration of the medium. The intersection of various aspects of narrative discourse and artistic vision creates an experience that immerses us into a liminal space that gives us a sense of uncertainty in interpreting this exhibition.
FFD 2024 is presented by Forum Film Dokumenter. All festival activities are accessible free of charge. Tickets are available directly at the registration desks at each location. Information about festival programs, films, reviews, and screening schedules can be accessed through the website www.ffd.or.id or social media @ffdjogja.
Covered by Ahmad Radhitya Alam on 2 November 2024. (Ed. Vanis/Trans. Naufal Shabri)
