Ganffest's agenda around this time is in depth with the theme "flux". This theme was chosen as a reminder for us to be wiser in going in motion around the midst of technological disruption.

The purpose of this event is to introduce and show innovation in short films through a technological statement as a new point of view for the people of Bandung City. This statement became the hallmark of Ganffest, which departed from the background of the committee who are students from Institut Teknologi Bandung.

During this year’s Ganffest, the committee deliberately held the event in several different places, attaining their vision to make Ganffest a film tour, bringing participants to different atmospheres in the city of Bandung.

"The technology statement in this film festival actually emphasizes the innovation value of technology. Usually, films that are shown in Ganffest paved the way for future cinema in Indonesia," said Director of Ganffest 2024, Joshua Tiroy Lumbantobing (EL, 21).

"The reason why it is held every two years is actually because of technology statements. For instance, if you look at the difference between iPhone 13 and 14 there is only a slight difference, while iPhone 13 and 15 would give a larger comparison. So Ganffest can show more atmosphere of innovation in short films," he continued.

In total there are 309 films registered from various regions in Indonesia which are then curated into eight films to compete in the Gajah Pinilih Award (fan choice) and Gajah Emas Award (judge choice).

The films are Talking In Silence, One Night It's All Over, The Big Fish in The Small Pond, Burning Bridges, Sealed Shut, Our Heaven, Tahiara, A Main Character In An Opera, TRASHTALK, and We Need More Fans in Summer. In addition to that, there are 21 other films packaged in non-competing programs, such as Bandung Nu Aing! (films by Bandung filmmakers) and the Horizon program (Indonesian films that appeared in international film festivals).

Before the main event, Ganffest held a pre-event through Community Roadshow and Mobile Cinema. Community Roadshow invites the film community to season up short film submissions. On the other hand, Mobile Cinema is intended to introduce short films directly to the public by putting projectors in unusual places.

In its series of events, Ganffest not only conducts film screenings, but also holds photography exhibitions as well as talk shows and discussions.

Joshua hopes that Ganffest can be a forum that is non-exclusive for students and film enthusiasts only. It can also be a place for the general public to appreciate film works.

"With visitors from various backgrounds, hopefully, Ganffest can become a place for us to have fun, grow, and appreciate each other through film screenings," he concluded.

Reporter: Asya Aulia Sukma (Architecture, 2021)
Translator: Kezia Hosana
Editor: Ayesha Lativa Mafaza (Postharvest Tec hnology 2021)