Kemendikbudristek Supports the Indonesian Delegation at the BIFF 2023

Kemendikbudristek Supports the Indonesian Delegation at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival

Jakarta, October 4, 2023 – The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) plays a crucial role in facilitating the delegation of Indonesian film professionals participating in the 28th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which will take place from October 4 to October 13, 2023, in South Korea. This initiative aims to strengthen the Indonesian film ecosystem.

The History of BIFF and Its Significance

Since 1996, BIFF has been an internationally acclaimed festival held annually in South Korea. It is recognized as one of the most influential film events in Asia.

Kemendikbudristek’s Partnership with Indonesian Filmmakers

Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, explained that in recent years, Kemendikbudristek has collaborated with Indonesian filmmakers to develop strategies and an ecosystem that supports the achievements and presence of Indonesian directors and works on the global stage.

Concrete Efforts to Enhance the Film Ecosystem

Mendikbudristek stated, “We have undertaken various fundamental efforts to enhance the quality of the film ecosystem. For example, we provide non-degree scholarship facilitation for film professionals, and we launched the Indonesiana Fund as part of Episode 18 of Merdeka Belajar, which is now open for international film co-production funding.”

Collaboration between the Indonesian Film Community and BIFF 2023

Regarding the special attention given to Indonesia at BIFF 2023, Minister Nadiem emphasized that this is a result of collaboration between the film community and the government. He added, “I and several film professionals personally attended meetings with BIFF representatives at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. The special program for Indonesia at BIFF 2023 is one of the outcomes of this cooperation. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to the Indonesian delegation participating in BIFF 2023.”

Composition of the Indonesian Delegation at BIFF 2023

The Indonesian delegation for BIFF 2023, totaling 50 individuals, includes filmmakers, organizers, government representatives, and media members who will receive travel grants as a form of facilitation from Kemendikbudristek through the Directorate of Film, Music, and Media (PMM).

Indonesian Works Competing at BIFF 2023

In BIFF 2023, there are 15 Indonesian film titles that will compete and be showcased in the “Indonesian Renaissance of Cinema” program. These fifteen titles include short films, feature-length films, and series.

Participation of Indonesian Films in the BIFF 2023 Competition Program

In this program, two Indonesian films, the feature film “24 Hours with Gaspar” directed by Yosep Anggi Noen and the short film “The Rootless Bloom” directed by Rein Maychaelson, will compete. The feature film will participate in the Jiseok program, while the short film will compete in the Wide Angle category.

Exposure of Indonesian Films in the ACFM Program

Three other feature-length films, including “Sara” by Ismail Basbeth, “Ali Topan” by Sidharta Tata, and “Women from Rote Island” by Jeremias Nyangoen, will be showcased in the “A Window on Asian Cinema” program. Meanwhile, films and series set to screen in the “Renaissance of Indonesian Cinema” program include “Gadis Kretek” by Kamila Andini & Ifa Isfansyah, “Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy” by Khozy Rizal, “Dancing Colors” by M. Reza Fahriyansyah, “Laut Memanggilku” by Tumpal Tampubolon, “Vania on Lima Street” by Bayu Prihantoro Filemon, “Where The Wild Frangipanis Grow” by Nirartha Bas Diwangkara, “24 Hours with Gaspar” by Yosep Anggi Noen, “Sara” by Ismail Basbeth, “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” by Joko Anwar, “Posesif” by Edwin, “Ziarah” by B.W. Purbanegara, and “What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love” by Mouly Surya.

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Kemendikbudristek’s Participation in ACFM

Direktur PMM Kemendikbudristek, Ahmad Mahendra, stated that in addition to providing facilitation for the Indonesian delegation at BIFF 2023, Kemendikbudristek will also participate in the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) events. ACFM will be held at Exhibition Center 1, BEXCO, Busan, from October 7 to 10, 2023, and will feature an Indonesian booth.

Hopes for the Expansion of Indonesian Films to the Global Market

Mahendra hopes that through this facilitation support, Indonesian films will be increasingly watched by global audiences. “This impact will create opportunities for film promotion and networking, as well as co-productions with various countries. It will also introduce young Indonesian directors to the global film stage. In a cultural context, Indonesian films will serve as ‘ambassadors’ for Indonesia on the world stage, promoting the country’s cultural diversity and the beauty of its locations,” he expressed.

ACFM’s Role in the Media Industry

ACFM is a market where diverse media content, ranging from films to audiovisual works, publications, webtoons, and web novels, are offered. As a networking and business platform for industry professionals worldwide, ACFM provides various programs, including investment and co-production markets, conferences, industry events, and film production funding programs.

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Indonesian Film Projects in the Asian Project Market

In this year’s ACFM, there are two Indonesian film projects that will be presented in the Asian Project Market, namely “Tarkam” directed by Teddy Soeriaatmadja and Eric Primasetio, and “Watch It Burn” directed by Makbul Mubarak and Yulia Evina Bhara. In the Platform Busan program, 13 young Indonesian directors will participate in a series of events.

Education through the Asian Film Academy (AFA)

Additionally, alongside the BIFF, the Asian Film Academy (AFA) will also take place, with Khozy Rizal being one of the participants. Several Indonesian AFA alumni include Edwin, Ifa Isfansyah, Yosep Anggi Noen, Tumpal Tampubolon, and Bayu Prihantoro Filemon.

Hopes and Anticipation for the Future

“We hope for concrete follow-up actions from these efforts and more collaboration with the Indonesian film community,” Mahendra concluded. (Denis, Editor: Denty)