BISNISREAL.COM, JAKARTA – Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – A significant cultural movement is taking shape in Indonesia as the national-scale Santri Film Festival (SANFFEST) 2025 prepares for its inaugural event. The initiative was unveiled during a special press gathering, NgoFi (Film Talk), held at Galeri Darmin Kopi in South Jakarta.
The gathering featured key figures: Neno Warisman (Head of the Committee), Kang Fadhli Sapawie (Festival Director), and Bang Ali (Milenial Event Organizer), moderated by Bang Putra Gara. The core message relayed to the media was unequivocal: Students from pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) are ready to make their mark in the film industry.
Scheduled under the theme “Santri Viewing the World Through the Lens of Culture,” SANFFEST 2025 aims to be a national platform showcasing the creative works of the pesantren community. Its overarching purpose is to introduce the broader public to the values, traditions, and unique perspectives of the santri through the powerful medium of cinema.
“The spirit of ‘Santri Film Building the Nation’ is a cultural mantra we want to echo,” stated Neno Warisman, emphasizing the educational and nation-building aspect of the festival. This movement, supported by Festival Director Fadhli Sapawie, is designed to ignite a new wave of filmmakers within the santri community, validating their ability to contribute to national arts and culture.
SANFFEST 2025 is more than just screenings. The festival will be a comprehensive cinematic event, including panel discussions on film and cultural topics, filmmaking workshops to enhance technical skills, and an international forum intended to open pathways for global collaboration. The goal is clear: to ensure the stories and cultural depth of Indonesian santri resonate both nationally and internationally. The event signals a confident cultural shift, proving that the pesantren can serve as fertile ground for modern creative expression.
