Film festivals and social inclusion: the Ciputra Film Festival’s collaborative spirit

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to investigate the strategies used by Ciputra Film Festival organizers to package the festival as an inclusive festival. It will be revealed how film festivals serve as a means of collaboration for various Indonesian film communities. Design/methodology/approach– This study was carried out using an exploratory method, a qualitative approach and an interpretive paradigm, in which researchers put themselves in the shoes of the participants. Findings– According to the findings of the thematic analysis, the strategy for organizing the Ciputra Film Festival (from the beginning of planning to the end of the festival) promotes the values of diversity from each community. They promote the festival as a celebration of diversity as well as a collaboration among local film communities that reflect the characteristics of the Indonesian nation, which is indeed very diverse in terms of ethnicity, culture, social and political preferences. The local film community is active in all aspects of the festival, including consumption, production, political participation and social interaction. Practical implications– The organization of the Ciputra Film Festival has attempted to be inclusive by uniting the interests of the local film community, local culture and the film business. However, some community aspirations and the existence of local cultural elements must continue to be prioritized so that participants and visitors get the best experience. Originality/value– This study advances a discussion of inclusive film festival events that collaborate with as many local film communities as possible, with the goal of identifying specific practices of engaging local film communities that contribute to inclusivity.