Jakarta, March 19, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency , Irene Umar, received an audience from Senada Films at the Pesona Indonesia Film Building, Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. During the meeting, the discussion focused on the development and distribution of independent films to make them more accessible to the public.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf - Wamenekraf bersama jajaran Kemenekraf (sisi kanan) berdiskusi perihal pendistribusian film independen bersama Senada Film pencipta film The Atlantis Mussels, peraih penghargaan Best ShortDoc Award di Megacities-ShortDocs Film Festival 2024 dan film mereka berkesempatan tampil di Semaine du Cinéma Positif di 77th Cannes Film Festival 2024, Gedung Film Pesona Indonesia, Jakarta (19/3/25).
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar stated that the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency will evaluate strategies to address the distribution challenges of films. She emphasized the need for mechanisms around licensing issues that support creators and the film industry.
"The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency will collaborate with various film industry associations to overcome these challenges. We are also examining concrete solutions to make quality independent films more accessible to the public," said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
She added that one approach is to work with the Ministry of Home Affairs to simplify filming permits for independent filmmakers. Additionally, cross-sector collaboration is necessary to create an ecosystem that supports the independent film industry.
"We will look for platforms that can help creators market their work and make it easier for the public to access award-winning short films. We are also preparing a dedicated section within the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency to accommodate festival films that have not yet been commercialized. Mapping the ecosystem within the film festival industry is also a priority to analyze the potential for further monetization," she explained.
Senada Films, a production company founded in 2021, operates in the creative industry, covering film, documentaries, commercial advertisements, 3D visualization, videography, photography, and digital advertising.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
One of their standout works, The Atlantis Mussels, won the Best ShortDoc Award at the Megacities-ShortDocs Film Festival 2024 and was selected for several international film festivals, including the Semaine du Cinéma Positif at the 77th Cannes Film Festival 2024.
Founder and Director of Senada Films, Jeshua Christian, viewed the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency's openness as a means to share thoughts on the challenges faced by independent filmmakers.
"This discussion opened up new insights into the direction of the short film industry in Indonesia. We often talk about how independent films can be published and distributed more widely. We hope for a platform that supports young filmmakers so they can continue creating with more freedom," said Jeshua.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
Meanwhile, Project Manager Gusdarma shared that the discussion led to the idea of holding open-air film screenings at specific locations.
"We plan to hold a drive-in screening at Kampung Kerang Ijo. With this approach, we want to present our work directly and simply to the public while also providing opportunities for other filmmakers to reach a wider audience. We hope that the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency can be more active in providing platforms for creative filmmakers in Indonesia," Gusdarma added.
The meeting was also attended by Rachmat Kurniawan, Director of The Atlantis Mussels, and Michael Juan, Video Editor.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar was accompanied by the Deputy for Media Creativity Agustini Rahayu and the Acting Director of Film, Animation, and Video, Doni Setiawan.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
Under the leadership of Minister of Creative Economy/Minister of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya, the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency aims to create 27 million jobs over the next five years, with a focus on providing quality job opportunities for young people.
With the support of Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar, Minister of Creative Economy Riefky is driving 17 creative economy subsectors to fulfill the vision and mission of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, particularly Asta Cita number 3, which is to improve the quality of jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and develop the creative industry.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
Through strengthening the ecosystem using a helix approach, the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency is expected to become the "new engine of growth" for Indonesia's national economy, starting from the regions.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau of Communications
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
