Mysticism: Local Taste, Global Flavors – Road to Jakarta Film Week X MIP Award

Jakarta Film Week is continuously expanding its influence as a film festival which facilitates connections between local and international filmmakers. One of their new programs gathered the interest of many demographics; a collaboration between Road to Jakarta Film Week and MIP Award from the University of Multimedia Nusantara (UMN). The event, titled Mysticism: Local Taste, Global Flavors, is a discussion and screening session which disseminates how local elements of mysticism can be comprehended and appreciated by global audiences. 

The event, held on 4 October 2024 in the Lecture Hall, UMN, featured important figures in the film industry as speakers. Among them were Annisa Adjam, the producer of the short film Sawo Matang; Rifki Rifaldi, director of Suatu Hari Di Tempat Pemancingan; Reza Fahriyansyah, the director of Kembalilah Dengan Tenang (Rest in Peace); and Novi Hanabi, producer as well as the Program Manager of Jakarta Film Week. These speakers shared their experiences on how myths and folk stories in Indonesia can be transmitted in the international scene by holding intact strong cultural essences. Let’s not forget that Kristo Immanuel, this year’s Festival Ambassador for Jakarta Film Week, also attended this activity. 

The film’s screening was a central part of this event, showcasing some noteworthy works such as Indonesian films Sawo Matang, Kembalilah Dengan Tenang (Rest in Peace), Suatu Hari di Tempat Pemancingan, and Taiwanese film Unexpected Passenger. The curated films explore how local tales deeply rooted in cultural backgrounds could resonate with foreign audiences.

From Folktales to the Global Stage

The theme of mysticism in cinema is often considered too specific in local contexts, especially when it raises the plural Indonesian cultures with various folklore and spiritual traditions and beliefs. However, this program proves that themes such as this can have its own attraction in the global scene. Through films such as Sawo Matang, which was screened in Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), we can perceive how when local themes are packaged well, they can be enjoyed by international audiences. 

In the discussion, Rifki Rifaldi expressed how important the incubation process was, supported by Jakarta Film Fund, for the production of his short film, Suatu Hari Di Tempat Pemancingan. Said film raises a local myth merged with a universal narrative about a layman’s dreams for financial success and happiness. Rifki’s work demonstrates that local wisdom, if constructed cleverly, can compete in the international scene.

Novi Hanabi, as Jakarta Film Week’s Program Manager, added that a story’s relevance is one of the most desirable aspects of international film festivals. Through Jakarta Film Week, their committee is always searching for creative works which can disseminate local issues to the world, including stories featuring mystical elements or indigenous traditions.

A Collaboration That Expands Opportunities for Filmmakers

This collaboration further establishes Jakarta Film Week’s commitment to encourage Indonesian filmmakers to explore and present unique works to the world. Not only did Road to Jakarta Film Week x MIP Award become a space for filmmakers’ to exhibit their creations, but also a discussion forum to enrich their insight about the challenges and opportunities in bringing local stories to the international radar. 

With the existence of the collaboration, Jakarta Film Week hopes to sustainably expand the outreach of local works to diverse countries, displaying that Indonesian films are not only worthy of being watched, but also deserving of the discussions and appreciation in the international landscape.

To many filmmakers who want to explore local stories with global flavors, this program is one of many formative moments where they can learn from professionals and broaden their networking in the film industry.

With an interactive discussion forum and inspiring film screening, Mysticism: Local Taste, Global Flavors succeeds in inviting its audience, both filmgoers and filmmakers, to deepen their understanding and appreciation for local wisdom. This event is a vital part of the series of events brought to you by Road to Jakarta Film Week, which will continue to support the evolution of Indonesia’s film industry on the world stage.