LSSFF 2025 Tuntas Held, Menbud Fadli Zon Evaluated Short Films as Indonesia's Soft Power Weapon

SEMARANG - The Lawang Sewu Short Film Festival (LSSFF) 2025 officially closed its inaugural series. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon assessed that this festival is not merely an appreciation event, but a proof that short films are beginning to play a strategic role as Indonesian soft power.

This festival initiated by the Semarang City Government has netted 144 short films from across Indonesia. After a rigorous curation, 21 films advanced to the final and were screened at the Awards Night at Ki Narto Sabdo Building, Raden Saleh Cultural Park, Friday, December 19, 2025.

Fadli Zon appreciates LSSFF because it is considered capable of opening a space for the regeneration of young filmmakers based on local culture. According to him, short films effectively record collective memories while introducing Indonesian identity to the global public. "Film is a cross-art medium. That's where the power of our culture works," he said.

On the peak night, the Best Director award for the student category was won by Joshua Michael Nainggolan through the film Kaset Pita. The student category was won by Rifqi Ardiyanto through Tut Wuri Handayani, while the general category fell to Muhammad Jaya with the film Kotak Amal.

For Best Short Film, the student category was won by Pangestuku produced by Nuraga Films, the student category was won by Ting Ting Dance with Breathes Hope from Jogja Film Academy, and the general category fell to Ciak, Ciak, Ciak! produced by IDS Campus Jakarta.

Fadli Zon emphasized that the Ministry of Culture continues to strengthen the national film ecosystem, ranging from funding schemes to facilitating international festivals. He said Indonesia's presence in Cannes is increasingly taken into account and opens up strategic opportunities in the future.

The Mayor of Semarang, Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, ensured that the LSSFF would be held again next year with a strengthened concept. He considered this festival important to revive cultural spaces while giving a real stage for local talent.

At the end of his speech, the Minister of Culture hoped for a wider and sustainable collaboration so that similar film festivals could grow in every city and province. "Thus, the national film ecosystem will be more conducive and developed, even films can become one of the main drivers for strengthening our culture," he concluded.