Author name: Festival Writer

Article

So, What’s the Point of All Our Hard Work in Making Films?

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Creating a film is an incredible achievement. But it means nothing if no one watches it. Sadly, this is often the case for many of us young filmmakers our films end up collecting dust after the production phase simply because we didn’t plan our distribution well. In fact, film distribution is a crucial bridge. It’s not just the producer or director who feels proud; the entire crew finally sees that their hard work has paid off when the film reaches an audience.

Review

Sabung Raptor (2023): A Wrap of Absurdist Comedy

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In a tradition passed down through generations, a stage is set an arena where cheers erupt, and wagers are placed. It is a space that calls upon human ego, where the louder the crowd roars, the higher the stakes rise. Such is the world presented in the film Sabung Raptor.

Review

Flower in Fire (2024): A Dystopia Rooted in Difference

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Differences in perspective often become the source of profound and persistent conflict. In many societies, the rejection of difference has been passed down through generations producing cycles of discrimination, injustice, and, at times, violence. When one group feels threatened by the presence of another, the common response tends to be rejection and marginalization, leading ultimately to protracted conflict.

Review

Spiral (2024): Small Changes for Something New

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As times evolve, so do the demands of life, becoming more complex with each passing day. People are often forced to adapt quickly, pushed out of their comfort zones. Sometimes they are disturbed, even commanded to run just to keep up with the pace of the world. Some choose to adapt, while others prefer to stay still, wrapped comfortably in their familiar routines. These are all choices neither right nor wrong. Life often presents us with choices, just like what is depicted in the film Spiral.

Review

Meja Makan (Goodbye, Table Manner) (2018): The Dining Table and Unspoken Conflicts

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The family is often seen as the safest place to return to when life becomes overwhelming a space where we are accepted unconditionally. Yet, a lack of mutual understanding and honesty among family members can slowly erode that sense of safety, breaking down trust and giving rise to lingering, unresolved conflicts. This delicate tension is at the heart of Meja Makan (The Dining Table), a short film that quietly explores the inner dynamics of a family composed of a father, a mother, and their child.

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Article

Reflections on the Faculty Screenings of Sewon Screening 10: A Spotlight on Artistic Freedom of Expression

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As we prepare to continue the journey with Sewon Screening 11, it is worth looking back on the previous year to revisit a special moment the tenth edition of Sewon Screening. Over the years, the festival has successfully curated a variety of programs, but two in particular drew significant attention: the Faculty of Visual Arts Screening and the Faculty of Performing Arts Screening. These programs were held on August 1, 2024, at the ISI Yogyakarta Boulevard and on August 10, 2024, at the Visual Arts Faculty Plaza. They presented a compelling lineup of films that invited audiences to reflect on life, personal expression, and the complexities of social relationships. Through the medium of art, the programs offered viewers a powerful emotional experience, touching on the deeper layers of the human condition.

Article

Sewon Screening 11 Teaser: A Critique or a Call to Action?

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Visual symbols such as an empty room and a solitary spotlight reinforce a sense of confinement a metaphor for individuals living under the control of systems, cultures, or others’ authority. Her intense gaze and expressive demeanor signal an awakening, the first step toward resistance. Midway through, we see the woman perform a theatrical dance. According to Richard, the movement resembles a marionette controlled by strings limp, forced, and drained of energy. This symbolizes individuals who are manipulated by others, moving without autonomy, unable to protest, refuse, or resist.

Article

Not Just Film Communities, This Year, We Meet New Audiences

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Can Wider Reach Lead to a More Critical Film Community? This presents a significant challenge for Sewon Screening 11. By engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds, the festival naturally invites a wide spectrum of opinions and interpretations. Each audience member’s unique experiences and perspectives will inevitably shape how they perceive and critique a film.

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