“Let’s make this a collective effort to advance local filmmakers, strengthen village cultural identity, use film as a medium of knowledge, and bring village stories to national and international audiences,” Director for Socio-Culture and Institutional Development Harmonization Dimposma Sihombing here on Friday.
He made the remarks while opening the Village Film Festival Webinar themed “Enhancing the Capacity of Local Filmmakers in Strengthening Cultural Literacy Through Visual Media".
Sihombing added that the festival is expected to serve as a sustainable platform for local film development and an educational medium for audiences.
“We hope this activity provides inspiration, insight, and new collaborative networks for all of us,” he said.
Earlier, Director General for the Acceleration of Underdeveloped Regions Development Samsul Widodo stated that the festival aimed to be a space for expression and empowerment of village communities amid the rapid digital era.
The festival initiative originated from village heads and activists who produce short films highlighting social themes and local wisdom. The government seeks to build a national village film network, extending beyond local communities.
He emphasized that film production can also generate ripple economic effects, including services such as documentation, equipment rental, culinary, and local tourism, making film a pillar of village creative economy.
“Through this festival, we want to instill a new spirit in villages, showing that creative economy can grow anywhere, not just in big cities,” he said.
The 2025 Village Film Festival will culminate on January 15, 2026, in Boyolali, Central Java, coinciding with Village Day.
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Translator: Tri, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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