Short Film and Komunitas Film in Contemporary Indonesia

By its very nature, short film lends itself to a style of production that is low budget and led by grassroots collaboration. In Indonesia, this approach led to the development of an essential element within the economy of short film, the komunitas film . Komunitas film has functioned as a space for new and experimental works, as well as to facilitate distribution and discussion among audiences. They act as localised incubators for an emerging generation of increasingly cosmopolitan filmmakers and audiences. Presenting case studies of active komunitas , this chapter examines their origins, aims, and the opportunities and challenges facing these organisations today. Who makes up the komunitas; have their motivations changed over time? Do their activities and networks constitute a form of cultural activism?