Author name: Sewon Screening

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.

“Fresh wind from the South” a familiar phrase for us as followers of the Sewon Screening film festival. This signature chant is always heard as a sign that the festival is about to begin. But what does this phrase truly mean? And what meaning lies behind it?

That question echoes, sparking similar ones to arise. It stirs curiosity and calls for deeper reflection. Must resistance come with grand symbols? Must it roar through impassioned speeches? Must it carry the weight of epic heroism? If not, then what exactly is resistance?

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.

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.

What is Sewon Screening and How Does Sewon Screening Work? Sewon Screening is a student film festival initiated by the Student Association of Film and Television at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta.

Sewon, 2025 — Kicking off a new decade with a bold initiative, Sewon Screening has announced the launch of its first-ever short film funding program dedicated to supporting community-driven projects. Titled the Sewon Short Film Fund, the program is a tribute to the vibrant communities that have been instrumental in sustaining this annual event over the years.