Short Film Festival Highlights Community Empowerment Practices

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Many local-level community empowerment initiatives have yet to receive adequate public space. The lack of visibility is considered to make it difficult for programme impacts to expand and reach greater support. This situation encourages the use of creative media to highlight good practices in society. Short films are seen as one effective approach to broaden social narratives and increase public engagement. The Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival 2026 is held with a focus on community empowerment issues. This programme involves collaboration between Bakti Pendidikan Djarum Foundation, Tanoto Foundation, and Campaign for Good. Head of Strategic & Impact Communications at Tanoto Foundation, Deviani Wulandari, said that many good practices in communities are not yet widely known. “Through a creative approach like short films, we see an opportunity to highlight those practices so they can be learned from, replicated, and have a greater impact on society,” she stated in a press release on Thursday (30/4/2026). Programme Director of Bakti Pendidikan Djarum Foundation, Primadi H Serad, assessed that the involvement of the younger generation is important in raising social issues. “We hope this competition can become a space for Indonesia’s young generation to train in all that, while bringing the spirit and innovation of local Indonesian communities to the international stage,” he said. Meanwhile, Founder & CEO of Campaign for Good, William Gondokusumo, emphasised film as a participatory medium. “Through Inspiring Indonesia, we are not only inviting the public to watch, we are inviting them to get involved, give voice, and become part of the change,” he stated. This year, the festival introduces a new AI-based category to expand film production access. This innovation is expected to reduce technical barriers and costs for creators. In addition, the selection process involves a community vetting mechanism, allowing the public to participate in evaluating works. This approach encourages broader participation in the curation process. The competition offers three main categories: short films, community empowerment projects, and AI-based films. Finalists from Indonesia will advance to the Asian level. Registration is open until 30 June 2026, with a series of selections and evaluations until August before the announcement of winners in September 2026.