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A Room to Watch, A Room to Converse—An Alternative Screening in Semarang’s Kota Lama

Majesti Anisa
June 24, 2025

Semarang, June 20, 2025 – After stopping by the City of Heroes, Sewon Screening 11 continued its roadshow screenings and made its second visit to Kota Lama, Semarang. In this edition of Layar Tandang Semarang, Sewon Screening collaborated with Sineroom, a Semarang-based alternative cinema collective focused on film exhibition and appreciation. The event was also supported by Tekodeko and Rumah Pohan, both celebrating their 10th anniversaries this year by providing the venue for the screening. Adding to the excitement, Layar Indonesiana joined as a partner and sponsor, presenting the “NGOBRAS” (Ngobrol Bahas Sinema) session an open discussion centered around ideas for the Layar Indonesiana 2025 Short Film Production Competition.

“Layar Tandang is a program centered around communication and networking with communities in various regions. For Semarang, we chose to visit again as a way to reconnect, share, and understand what’s currently happening locally,” explained Hatim Hidayat, Festival Manager of Sewon Screening 11, during the opening. Hatim also briefly introduced the Community Forum and Sewon Short Film Fund, inviting local film communities to take part in the main event of the festival.

“It’s been a long time since Sineroom hosted a screening, and this marks our first screening in 2025. This event is a result of our collaboration. Coincidentally, Sewon Screening is now in its eleventh year, Tekodeko just turned ten, and next month Sineroom will too. This feels like a form of resistance and eleven years of surviving in the world of alternative cinema,” shared Ardian Agil, representing Sineroom.

Silent Tactic, Loud Impact!

Before the screenings began, as usual, the moderator rallied the audience with Sewon Screening’s official call “Sewon Screening 11, A Fresh Breeze for the New Decade!” Programmer Dimas Putro then read the program notes for this session, titled Silent Tactic, Loud Impact. After a teaser of the festival was shown, the screening began with four films: ‘Pelabuhan Berkabut’ (2024) by Layar Indonesiana, ‘Hari yang Menyenangkan’ (2018) and ‘Dulhaji Dolena’ (2020) from Sewon Screening, and ‘Shinta Dating His Beloved Shinta’ (2024) by Sineroom. “The common thread in all four films is grief, and more importantly, how the characters respond to it. They each face loss differently, but within that grief, there’s the courage to make decisions even when the outcomes are uncertain,” explained Dimas when asked about the title of the program. “We chose films that resonate with the Semarang audience. And of course, they all reflect resistance. We also considered the tone some are heavy, some light. Since this is a public screening, we selected accessible films in terms of duration and subject matter films that spark dialogue,” added Daru Mutia, co-programmer for the screening.

Talking Cinema with Anggi Noen and the Filmmakers

The post-screening discussion, moderated by Ardian Agil, featured Yosep Anggi Noen representing Layar Indonesiana, who served as mentor to ‘Pelabuhan Berkabut’ director Haris Yulianto. Also present were Hasan Faizal, producer of ‘Shinta Dating His Beloved Shinta’, and Rizal Hanun, director, writer, and producer of ‘Hari yang Menyenangkan’, who joined virtually. Haris shared that ‘Pelabuhan Berkabut’ was inspired by real events near his home namely, toxic gas leaks at a port in North Semarang, high stunting rates, and limited access to fish. These themes were developed into a dystopian narrative. Hasan explained that his film weaves in wayang (Indonesian shadow puppetry) elements and challenges the vilification of Rahwana, the antagonist in the traditional tale. Rizal, meanwhile, based his film on his own brother’s sacrifices, turning it into an intimate sibling story born from a campus assignment.

Each filmmaker spoke about their creative process and funding journey. Haris received funding and research support from Layar Indonesiana after successfully submitting a proposal and sample work across genres. Hasan received support from Semarang Gawe Film, while Rizal self-funded the film with his friends. Anggi Noen reflected on the past when filmmakers made do with what they had. Today, however, there are more funding initiatives, such as Layar Indonesiana, that provide open opportunities for filmmakers across Indonesia. “Create a proposal from the heart what do you really want to say? That’s what matters. Start with an idea that genuinely interests you,” advised Anggi Noen, encouraging the audience to participate in next year’s short film competition. The audience made full use of the Q&A session, many expressing interest in submitting their own ideas.

Fancy, Thoughtful, and Impactful!

“It was amazing fancy even. I’ve been to screenings before, but none as well-arranged and professional as this one,” shared Syair Adharian, a student from Kronik Filmedia, Diponegoro University. Although he had known of Sewon Screening before, this was his first time attending a Layar Tandang program. His favorite film? ‘Pelabuhan Berkabut’. “It broke my assumption that Indonesia lacks a strong environmental storytelling voice. Turns out, we can create powerful dystopias.” “The space wasn’t large, but it felt incredibly proper,” said Fikri Achmad Arminto, a Film and Television student at Dian Nuswantoro University. Coincidentally, he shares an alma mater with director Haris Yulianto SMK Negeri 4 Semarang. This was also Fikri’s first Sewon experience. ‘Pelabuhan Berkabut’ stood out for him too. “I didn’t expect it. I never imagined a fantasy-style story could come from a Semarang-based filmmaker.” “I discovered student-made short films today,” said Erida, an audience member and Sineroom collaborator. She first heard about Sewon Screening through Tekodeko’s 10th anniversary event. Her favorite was ‘Dulhaji Dolena’, which she found light and deeply relatable. “It was very insightful. As someone unfamiliar with cinema, this gave me so much knowledge and input for young people especially those interested in filmmaking,” shared Endang Pristiani, a mother from Semarang attending with her child. Her favorite was ‘Pelabuhan Berkabut’ a film that kept her curious until the unexpected ending.

Around a hundred people attended and participated in the discussion that night students, film communities, and local residents. The venue was packed, with some even watching from the corridor window outside. Thank you to all collaborators and friends who made this night possible. We shared stories, laughed, and made meaningful connections. With Semarang checked off the list, two cities are now complete. But one more remains. Sewon Screening 11 will soon head to the City of Fire Bandung. Stay updated via our website and social media platforms!

By Majesti Anisa

Editor Satya Din Muhammad

Translator Debytha Nela Mv.