The powerful story of the Dayak community was brought to the global stage through breathtaking and deeply moving cinema

The annual Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival successfully held its second edition from February 22 to March 2, 2025. This year, the festival presented a broader program over nine days at various locations in Okinawa, including Tenbusu Naha - Tenbusu Hall, Sakurazaka Theatre, and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum.

Tale of the Land: Indonesia's Representative in the Pacific Film Competition

One of the most highly anticipated films at this year’s festival was Tale of the Land, a co-production between Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Qatar, directed by Loeloe Hendra Komara. The film represented Indonesia in the Pacific Film Competition category and gained international recognition after winning the FIPRESCI Award at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival.

The story follows May, a Dayak girl from Borneo who lost her parents due to a land dispute. Rescued by her grandfather, Tuha, she now lives in a floating house far from the mainland. Through a profound cinematic approach, Tale of the Land explores the emotional impact of land conflicts and the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of change. The film stars Shenina Cinnamon, Arswendy Bening Swara, and Angga Yunanda, who delivered compelling performances that brought this narrative to life on the big screen.

As part of the main competition at Cinema at Sea, Tale of the Land was screened at Tenbusu Hall on February 27, 2025, at 7:15 PM and February 28, 2025, at 3:50 PM. The film aimed to introduce the rich Dayak culture and the social realities of Indonesia's Indigenous communities to an international audience.

In addition to the Pacific Film Competition, the festival also featured other flagship programs, including Okinawa Panorama, which showcased classic and contemporary films related to Okinawa, and Islands in Focus, which highlighted cinema from specific Pacific island regions. This year, the festival also introduced a short film category within the Pacific Film Competition, expanding opportunities for emerging filmmakers to gain global recognition.

The Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival 2025 proved to be a significant platform for the film industry to share powerful and relevant stories. With Tale of the Land in the lineup, Indonesia reinforced its presence in international cinema while shedding light on pressing social issues faced by Indigenous communities at home.

photo source : cinema-at-sea.com

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