Creative Economy Minister: Film festivals can drive regional economies

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Rifecky Harsya, stated that film festivals held in regional areas can drive economic value for local communities while simultaneously strengthening the film ecosystem in Indonesia.

Rifecky, in a statement received on Wednesday, said that film festivals can serve as a platform for talent incubation and a driver for the creative economy. He noted that these festivals enrich films themed around culture and various Indonesian folklore, which can serve as high-value economic inspirations for the national film industry.

This potential is reflected in the organisation of the Horror Film Festival (FFH) by Ruang Film Pacitan in collaboration with the Pacitan Regency Government.

“Indonesia possesses immense diversity and uniqueness, from culture to horror stories, much like a new gold mine. The Ministry of Creative Economy is ready to collaborate with partner ministries to elevate the FFH, ensuring this year’s event can reach a higher standard,” said the Minister of Creative Economy.

The inaugural FFH in 2025 successfully featured 285 films across three categories: general, student, and exhibition.

For 2026, the FFH will carry the theme ‘INDIGO: Seeing the unseen. Reading the forgotten. Building the future.’ The series of activities will take place from June to September 2026, with the grand finale and awards ceremony scheduled for 9–12 September 2026.

“The FFH is an event that can attract other activities which, in my view, can bring in tourists. We certainly hope that FFH 2026 can collaborate with the Ministry of Creative Economy to become a provincial, national, and even global festival,” said Indrata.