Hybrid Film Festival Predicted To Continue As A Trend In 2022

Photo illustration (Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chair I of the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ) Hikmat Darmawan said that holding a hybrid film festival is predicted to still become a trend in 2022, along with the acceleration of digital technology during the pandemic.

"Now, here to stay, yes, a digital platform. We also have to build adjustments starting from the infrastructure and mental set, because there are different (approaches) for live performances in front of the camera and communication through face-to-face meetings," Hikmat said when met in Jakarta. on Sunday, December 5th.

"Indeed, there are things that cannot be replaced from face-to-face meetings. But, on the other hand, there are new things that we find with this mediation. There is a lot of flexibility, for example to talk, there are no national boundaries with international filmmakers, it means that our infrastructure is prepared like for example connection (internet)," he continued.

Furthermore, the man who is the board of the 2021 Madani International Film Festival (MIFF) said that the pandemic and digital acceleration have taught film festival organizers that digital platforms will continue to be part of the organization, because there are many things that can be achieved through assistance. digitization.

This, Hikmat continued, makes the film festival a more inclusive forum for the national film ecosystem in general, as well as the community.

"Expanding the circle. That festivals are not just 'for film people'. Film festivals are a cultural platform. Even though the core is film, this is a cultural exhibition. Not just a mass wave, but accommodating diverse interests. Inclusiveness must be made concrete , not just a value," he said.

Agreeing, Director General (Dirjen) of Culture of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) Hilmar Farid said the trend of holding film festivals in a hybrid way is very possible, considering that people are getting used to activities in the digital space.

"Now people have made it a new culture that participating in the festival does not have to be physically present, but can be accessed through several channels, even with discussions. Now it is much more accessible and diverse in many ways," said Hilmar.

"In the past maybe only festival-goers were involved, now everyone can jump in, see there is an interesting theme, and that makes it more diverse and will add to the weight of the festival," he added.

When asked about the government's policy to respond to the threat of a new COVID-19 variant, Hilmar said that his party was always vigilant to follow developments. He then compared it with the conditions 1.5 years ago, and assessed that the film industry players were better prepared to face the challenges in the future.

"I think the film industry itself has learned a lot from production, distribution, new distribution channels, and ways to present works in different mediums. We have all learned a lot from the experience of this pandemic. Hopefully we will be better prepared in the future," said Hilmar.