Film Can Be A Bridge To Unite Cultural Values And Sustainable Lifestyles

JAKARTA - Hilmar Farid, Director General of Culture of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), stated that films can become a medium that unites cultural values with a sustainable lifestyle.

The statement is related to the holding of the Science Film Festival in Indonesia which is entering its 15th year. This festival runs from 15 October to 30 November 2024 in a hybrid manner, targeting elementary to high school students in 100 districts and cities in Indonesia.

Cultivation affects the way we interact with nature and others. By prioritizing the principles of net zero emissions and the circular economy, we want to encourage cultural changes that support the sustainability, responsibility, and preservation of the earth," said Hilmar as quoted by Antara.

The festival, which was initiated by the Goethe-Institut, has the theme Nether Zero Emisi and Circular Economy through screenings of international films and interactive science experiment activities.

Hilmar added that the circular economy is in line with traditional values, such as reuse, repair, and recycling. This practice is not much different from ancestral culture which prioritizes wisdom and harmony with nature," he explained.

According to him, the strength of film media can be a tool to inspire people to be more environmentally aware and change their lifestyle to a more sustainable direction.

On the same occasion, Constante Michel, Director of Goethe-Institut for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, said the festival presented various international films highlighting the importance of concepts of zero emissions and a circular economy to respond to the climate crisis.

We want to show that science can be learned in an interesting and fun way. Through scientific-themed films from various countries, we hope to trigger curiosity and creativity of children and adolescents in Indonesia and other regions, such as South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa," said Constante.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, Ina Lepel, also emphasized that scientific innovation plays an important role in reducing carbon footprint and promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

"Innovation in science is needed to create a sustainable future and reduce environmental impacts, both in Indonesia and in Germany," he added.

In Indonesia, the festival features 15 films from eight countries, including Germany, Australia, Italy, Thailand, Chile, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Colombia. In addition, there are six science experiments that will be practiced after the screening of the film to increase participant understanding.

Film screening is carried out alternately in schools, universities, science centers, and communities, both offline and online via Zoom. Cities and districts involved in this activity include Ambon, Bandung, Buol Toli-Toli, Deli Serdang, Ende, Fakfak, Karo, Poso, Buru Island, Surabaya, Waibakul, to Yogyakarta.

At the opening of the festival which took place at the Plaza Insan with the Achievement of the Ministry of Education and Culture, more than 250 students participated in watching three selected films.

Last year, Science Film Festival attracted 860 thousand spectators from 21 countries, including more than 122,000 spectators in Indonesia. The 2024 edition is held in 23 countries from October 1 to December 20, 2024.