Bringing the theme SHOW YOURSELF #IndigenousArising, twenty filmmakers from 20 different tribes and nations joined us on air with fifteen hours of screening time. The films were from different parts of Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung, Tana Toraja, Bali, Java, Sarawak, West Malaysia and Jharkhand India. Some of them were Huma Amas which narrates the struggle of a farmer in East Kalimantan to keep his land despite the offer from coal mining company; Linggih Aksarafrom Bali which aims to straighten the misperception toward people who still practice Liak; Jumpun Lewu Kamiwhich covers the stories of forest fires and haze in Central Kalimantan; Beduya Dayak Kantu’ from West Kalimantanwhich documents the ancient culture of singing in Dayak Kantu’ tribe; Panglima Tanpa Kepala/Headless Commander, a feature film based on the history of a general during Banjar war against the Ducth; Sondhayni from Jharkhand which narrates the importance of respecting the nature from indigenous perspective.
There was also a talk show about Preserving the Culture through Music and Entrepreneurship;A workshop with the topic Making Films about Indigenous Communities: Do & Do not;Panel discussion The Tale of the Protectors of the Borneo Islandwhich will feature the filmmakers from Kalimantan and Sarawak; and Panel Discussion Decolonizing Through Audiovisual.
“In the pandemic situation like this, KIFF shows up to bring support and encouragement for the indigenous communities all over the world. Just like the theme we bring; Show Yourself, Indigenous Arising, we believe that an indigenous person should not be ashamed of his/her identity despite of the marginalization and all violation of indigenous rights that the communities still face till this very day. In the depressing time, we always need someone to show up to encourage us and lead the way into the solution. And that person is us. We need to show up for ourselves, stand and speak ourselves to the world,” said Emmanuela Shinta, the founder of Ranu Welum and director of KIFF 2020.
The 3rd Kalimantan International Indigenous Film Festival happened for two days, August 21-22 2020 started at 2pm – 9pm live from Ranu Welum Studio. With total five shows plus a night celebration, KIFF brought over 1,300 people together watching live from 12 countries and 4 continents.
“I am so happy for this opportunity. I believe there should be more platform like this where the indigenous filmmakers can share their films to people from all over the world,” said Seral Murmu, filmmaker from Jharkhand.
Herald Nyumbang, filmmaker from Sarawak believe that every indigenous youth should embrace their indigenous identity. He said, “There are many beautiful aspects of our Dayak Iban tradition, and I want to share it with Iban youth through my movie. I hope they can be proud of their Indigenous roots and want to learn more about our folklore, music, dance, and local wisdom. Therefore, our tradition will not be forgotten.”
At the night celebration, traditional musicians from Sanggar Karungut dan Deder Guru-Guru Kalteng Harati dan Berkah played Karungut and sang. There was also a dance performance video from Sanggar Marajaki., followed by the declaration on the indigenous rights by the elders and indigenous filmmakers. The night was closed with Manasai dance together in our little studio.
This Kalimantan International Indigenous Film Festival 2020 is presented by Ranu Welum Foundation in collaboration with Saverock Media.
