Yogyakarta, IO – Garin Nugroho delivered an inspiring cultural keynote at the Kotabaru Heritage Film Festival (KHFF) 2024. The acclaimed director, screenwriter, and producer took the stage alongside Hairul Salim at this annual event, organized by the Yogyakarta City Cultural Agency.
In his address, Garin emphasized that KHFF serves to cultivate the beauty of life, amidst the challenges in Yogyakarta. “Why Kotabaru? Because Kotabaru was built on the foundation of a new identity after Kota Gede,” he remarked.
He explained that Kota Gede Yogyakarta was established during the rise of the kingdoms, while Kotabaru emerged when President Soekarno had to seek refuge in Yogyakarta, which became a sanctuary and saved the Republic of Indonesia.
“And all of this has been captured in various films throughout the history of our Republic. This Heritage Festival is like a lotus flower: it must continue to thrive in any circumstance, because it offers families a space to learn something new,” Garin said.
He further described how Yogyakarta has grown into a “living cultural city”, much like a lotus that blooms even in the mud. He continued that Yogyakarta is a heritage city that breathes life into everything. “Yogyakarta for Indonesia.”
Meanwhile, Yetty Martanti, Head of the Yogyakarta City Cultural Office, explained that the 2024 KHFF helps the city showcase its cultural heritage. “We can put heritage in the spotlight through film,” she noted.
Yetty also added that film is one of the most accessible media for the public to receive information and promote their cultural heritage. Hence, film festivals serve best as a primary medium to share and promote cultural treasures.
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“We are also collaborating with various artists to celebrate the Kotabaru Heritage Film Festival. There are many series of events during KHFF,” she added.
The 2024 KHFF offers more than just film screenings. It also partners with Pasar Kangen to spotlight Yogyakarta’s MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) that feature dozens of traditional culinary stands, in collaboration with 31 cultural village initiatives across Yogyakarta City. (des)