Inviting film enthusiasts to dive into the compelling narratives and embark on personal journeys of identity, change, and connection

KinoFest, the annual film festival presented by the Goethe-Institut, returns to Jakarta and Bandung for its third edition. The festival officially opened on Thursday, October 10, 2024, with the screening of Das Lehrerzimmer (2023), directed by Ilker Çatak and nominated for the Academy Awards in the Best International Film category. This event is free to attend until October 13 at GoetheHaus Jakarta and the Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) Bandung. KinoFest 2024 features a lineup of the latest films from Germany released between 2021 and 2024, covering a variety of genres such as documentary, adventure, drama, comedy, animation, and thriller. A total of 11 films will be screened in Jakarta, while 10 films will be shown in Bandung. One of the main attractions of this festival is the post-screening discussions, including one with director Narges Kalhor for her film Shahid (2024), which will take place on October 11 in Bandung and October 13 in Jakarta.

This year's KinoFest is being held simultaneously in several countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and New Zealand. Titled “Global Ties, Personal Journeys,” the festival focuses on personal journeys and how young people experience change in diverse societies and cultures. Through both fictional and documentary films, audiences are invited to delve into stories of self-discovery and how young individuals shape their identities while facing social and cultural challenges in an ever-changing environment.

Dr. Ingo Schöningh, Regional Head of Cultural Programs at the Goethe-Institut for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, explained that this year’s KinoFest emphasizes stories that document themes of loss, growth, and the search for meaning in the context of contemporary German society. “This festival features personal journeys that offer insights into the challenges of migration, disability, and gender in an increasingly connected world,” said Dr. Ingo. He added that the films showcased in KinoFest this year provide a profound global perspective on Germany's historical traumas and societal reactions to migrant issues.

Lisabona Rahman, curator of KinoFest 2024, also shared her insights on the evolving world, which is increasingly interconnected through various bonds that remain personal and rooted in complex realities. She emphasized that cinema can serve as a bridge to listen to voices from diverse backgrounds and create space for differences to interact with one another. The festival presents a variety of films that address important issues in society, particularly for young people navigating the transition to adulthood. For instance, Das Lehrerzimmer, screened on the opening night, is one of the highlighted films that tackles social issues within the educational sphere. Additionally, She Chef (2022), directed by Melanie Liebheit and Gereon Wetzel, tells the story of a young female chef struggling to find her place in the culinary world, providing insight into the role of women in a challenging industry.

KinoFest 2024 is a special opportunity for film enthusiasts in Indonesia to experience the latest works of German cinema while expanding their understanding of the global challenges faced by modern society.

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