Two Indonesian Short Films Reach Sheffield, Bringing Workers' Issues to the International Stage

Two short films by young Indonesian filmmakers, "Antrian Nomor Kematian" (Queue Number of Death) and "Kandang yang Tak Menunduk" (The Unbowed Cage), have been officially selected to screen at the Working Class Film Festival in Sheffield, England. These films, curated by MADFest Merah Putih 202026, represent a significant milestone in voicing the aspirations, labor issues, and social realities of Indonesian workers on the international film stage. "Antrian Nomor Kematian" highlights the complex bureaucracy and healthcare service issues often experienced by patients using BPJS (Social Security Agency for Health), Indonesia's national health insurance. Sonny Pudjisasono, Chairman of the Haji Usmar Ismail Film Center Foundation (YPPHUI), explained that MADFest Merah Putih was designed as an alternative space for conveying public aspirations through digital audiovisual media. He emphasized that the festival aims not only for competition but also to build a space of equality for workers to share their experiences. A total of 62 works participated in the MADFest Merah Putih 202026 event, demonstrating high enthusiasm. YPPHUI hopes this event can take place sustainably and is even considering hosting an international working-class film festival in Indonesia in 2028. Syafrin Liputo, the Mayor of South Jakarta Administration, praised the efforts of these young filmmakers, assessing film as an effective medium for conveying ideas, recording reality, introducing identity, and showcasing Indonesia to the world. He expressed hope that this achievement will inspire more Indonesian filmmakers and art communities to bring local stories to the global stage. The Working Class Film Festival, held at The Showroom Cinema in Sheffield, is a dedicated venue for filmmakers from working-class backgrounds, offering a platform for global filmmakers to share humanistic perspectives on social life and employment with an international audience.