Three Indonesian short films that won the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP) at Europe on Screen (EoS) 2023 made their debut at Europe on Screen 2024, captivating audiences with their compelling narratives and unique storytelling styles

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the Europe on Screen 2024 event, three short films emerged as winners of the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP) from Europe on Screen (EoS) 2023. These captivating films include "Tinah Buys Cigarette" by Gugun Arief from Banyuwangi, "Firman Firman" by Kurnia Alexander from Jakarta, and "How to be a Man" by William K from Tangerang. Notable attendees at the premiere included Stéphane Mechati, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Indonesia, along with Meninaputri Wismurti and Nauval Yazid, Co-Directors of the EoS 2024 Film Festival.

SFPP, an initiative since 2018, invites budding filmmakers to pitch their ideas for short films. From 171 submissions in the SFPP competition at Europe on Screen 2023, only three stories outshone the competition, securing partial production funds of Rp. 108.5 million, post-production audio facilities, film production classes, and special gifts from EoS, SAE Indonesia, and Kemala Home Living.

"Tinah Buys Cigarettes," a 20-minute film starring Vonny Anggraini, Betet Kunamsinam, and Mbeno Aji Putro, unfolds in Indonesian and Javanese languages. The narrative follows a wife finding newfound strength after a harrowing incident on the road. Director Gugun Arief sees this win as a gateway to the local and international film industry, with plans to submit his film to various festivals.

"Firman Firman" portrays an actor named Firman navigating identity and privacy concerns during a film interview, starring Mochisyam Hidayat and directed by Kurnia Alexander. The selection of Hidayat was pivotal, as noted by Kurnia, for his ability to breathe life into the character.

In "How to be a Man," set in a swimming club, Farel grapples with anxiety due to unexpected body hair growth. Director William K faced challenges in training lead actor Muzakki Ramdhan, initially unable to swim freestyle, for convincing swimming scenes.

Following the premiere, these winning films were showcased at various venues. The screenings began at KEK Singhasari Content Garage, Sidoarjo, on June 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM WIB. The journey continued at IFI Yogyakarta on June 11, 2024, at 4:30 PM WIB, then at Kineforum Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta on June 13, 2024, at 4:30 PM WIB. Finally, the films were screened at AF Medan on June 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM WIB. This diverse screening schedule aimed to extend the reach of these inspiring works by young Indonesian filmmakers, inspiring future generations to explore their creativity and contribute to the Indonesian film industry's success.

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