In talks about cinema in voicing discourse, one can be separate it from the network in between.
One of the keywords in the curatorial framework—the discourse of decentralization—is spread by Sumbawa Cinema Society (SCS) and Papuan Voices by curating film programs at Oceania Cinemas. It contains the experiences of filmmakers about social, cultural issues, and events that occur in their areas of residence, especially Sumbawa and Papua.
The program, which is presented every weekend, tries to convey curatorial discourse in a way that is easier for visitors to absorb than through works of art. That’s what Putri Harbie, assistant curator of the main exhibition Biennale Jogja XVI Equator #6 2021, said when starting the discussion.
“Our film’s alignment is clear. We insert a lot of messages and conflict vortexes through films,” said Ridho Fisabilillah from SCS as one of the speakers at Public Discussion Forum #7 “Meeting Oceania Cinema Partners: Talking about Cinema Programs, Monday (25/10) afternoon.
Besides Ridho, Urbanus Kiaf Yolmen from Papuan Voice also enriched the discussion. Held through the Zoom platform, this discussion was guided by Riskya Duavania from the Documentary Movie Festival Program team.
Films, according to Ridho, can be a voice, especially for fellow film activists, both in Sumbawa and Papua. Even though the movie ecosystem in Sumbawa, according to him, is arid, he still has hope.
While talking about it, he also touched on the power of community networking. Silenced voices in the East can be amplified by films and networks. Among them, local movie communities such as SCS and Papuan Voice.
“Our challenge (SCS) is how to carry out film activities consistently even though they are in an arid film ecosystem. How? By the film community network,” he explained.
Furthermore, Urbanus also observes the importance of the film community for independent film activists.
“We (Papuan Voice) see the dynamics (of cinema) today, where many (filmmakers) upload their films on personal social media. Then, we direct them to (join) the community so that their position is clear. We train ourselves together to speak through film,” he concluded.
