Bandung, June 26, 2025 – Forget everything you know about watching films in a cinema. In a creative corner of Bandung, something groundbreaking just happened. Sewon Screening once again collaborated with Bahasinema to present Layar Tandang in this new decade offering an unconventional viewing experience that left audiences at Hallway Space wondering: why are there two screens?
That question lingered in whispered conversations among students and casual chatter among cinema enthusiasts. The Layar Tandang Bandung screening brought something refreshingly new. Coupled with the Hallway Space described by some as a hidden gem in Bandung’s cultural scene the event provided an ideal platform for networking and discussion.
As attendees took their seats, a sense of curiosity set in. Many found themselves puzzled by the presence of two screens in the screening room. As the lights dimmed and the films began, the mystery unfolded. Each screen alternated with different films but upon closer inspection, the common thread among them was a recurring theme of powerlessness.
Defying the Indefinable
According to the Layar Tandang Bandung program notes, the curated selection aimed to celebrate those who resist despite feeling powerless; those who endure while bound by deep-rooted demands. The films portrayed resistance not as grand acts of rebellion, but as quiet defiance against invisible constraints. This thematic freshness was made even more impactful through the unique two-screen setup, offering a new kind of cinematic experience.
“I didn’t get it at first. I thought only one screen would be used. Turns out, they switched between them. It’s my first time watching something like this,” said one audience member at the event.
That honest reflection encapsulates the sentiments of many in the room that night. Initial confusion slowly gave way to clarity. The unusual screening method was intricately tied to the program’s theme: Defying the Indefinable. And there was good reason behind it.
The heavy theme of powerlessness demanded prolonged focus, often exhausting viewers both mentally and emotionally. Switching between screens forced audiences to adjust physically and mentally raising questions and engaging them more actively.
“So, why two screens?” explained Nanda, a representative from Bahasinema. “Because contemporary films are no longer limited to traditional wide screens. They can appear anywhere on small screens, large ones, or even LED panels. Here, we wanted to offer a fresh perspective and respond to the space we were in, to create a more immersive viewing experience.”
The act of watching became physical: the body shifting, eyes searching for new focal points, and the mind catching its breath before diving into the next narrative of resistance. It was an active viewing experience a physical dialogue between audience and space that made the stories feel even more personal.
Throughout the screenings, the room was filled with attentive silence. Viewers focused, trying to decode the layered metaphors in both visuals and storytelling. Afterward, clusters of discussions emerged outside the venue. Audiences exchanged interpretations and impressions turning post-screening conversations into something deeply engaging.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Sewon Screening’s innovation wasn’t just in the bold film selections, but also in the way they were presented. The event crafted a holistic cinematic experience where form, theme, and space converged to deliver something entirely new. Layar Tandang in Bandung marked a clear signal and a promise that Sewon Screening’s future programs will continue to offer more than just films.
With Surabaya, Semarang, and now Bandung completed, Sewon Screening 11 wraps its Layar Tandang journey. But the excitement isn’t over. Several pre-event programs are still to come before the main event. Stay tuned for updates on Sewon Screening’s social media channels.
See you at the Main Event of Sewon Screening 11!
By Satya Din Muhammad
Editor Majesti Anisa
Translator Debytha Nela Mv.
Comments • 0
Write your comment
Comments • 0