In the heart of Jakarta, a captivating event unfolded at GoetheHaus Jakarta on February 24, 2024. Collaborating forces of Goethe-Institut Indonesien, EngageMedia, and ICT Watch orchestrated a cinematic spectacle known as "Digital Rights Cinema." This groundbreaking event showcased a lineup of eight short films delving into the intricate realms of digital rights, shedding light on issues ranging from illicit online lending to data breaches in e-commerce, and even the challenges faced by app-based motorcycle taxi drivers.
Stephanie Müller, Head of Information at Goethe-Institut for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, eloquently expressed, "Through short films hailing from Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, a common thread emerges—a parallel narrative addressing digital rights issues. Collective challenges such as personal data leaks, fraud, unequal access, and injustices in digital employment underscore a shared struggle that transcends boundaries. Our hope is that by raising these crucial issues to the public through visual storytelling, it will spur discussions and pave the way for improved internet governance in the region."
Seven out of the eight films showcased are part of the Tech Tales Youth project by EngageMedia. King Catoy, Project Manager and Creative Producer of Tech Tales, emphasized, "EngageMedia has produced these films to complement advocacy efforts for human rights in the Asia Pacific region. The young filmmakers involved have poured their creativity into short films to support the digital rights movement and broaden understanding of the interconnectedness of human rights and digital rights."
Adding another layer of depth, a documentary titled "Quick Money Multiplying on the Internet," a collaboration between ICT Watch, ISOC Foundation, and Migrant Care, was also featured. Indriyatno Banyumurti, Executive Director of ICT Watch, articulated the importance of continuous efforts to record and disseminate the dynamics of a society's civilization.
"The eight films showcased in Digital Rights Cinema are snippets of history documenting the complexities of contemporary digital technology usage. The screening of these films can ignite and stimulate the adrenaline of creativity to continuously collaborate in utilizing digital technology productively, positively, safely, and comfortably."
Following the film screenings, an engaging discussion ensued with Donny B.U., a digital literacy practitioner, and Onno W. Purbo, an information technology expert, delving into digital issues in Indonesia.
Below are the films screened at GoetheHaus Jakarta starting at 14.00 WIB:
Digital Rights Lab (Thailand): Suspicion arises as cybercriminals allegedly access the personal data of millions of Thai citizens illegally. Filmmaker Min conducts an investigation to uncover how these criminals operate in the digital realm.
Lugal Abu (Philippines): Two indigenous Aeta students navigate modern education through digital technology and the internet while struggling to preserve their traditional way of life.
Doxxed (Thailand): After her private information is exposed online, and she receives a barrage of threatening messages, a journalist must endure threats from someone intent on ruining her life.
This is How Her Home was Built (Philippines): Julia, a young woman lost in her city, witnesses the rise and fall of various versions of her home. As the lines between truth and falsehood blur, she must navigate her fragmented existence to find a sense of belonging and understand the truth about her home.
Black Hole (Thailand): A mysteriously mutilated arm emerges from a black hole, forcing a young man to confront his father's sins, a military officer who has sold other people's personal data for his own gain.
Nanay (Philippines): Estranged by poverty, Nanay Linda's long-lost sister returns with an unexpected phone call. That morning, Nanay Linda must confront her struggle for survival, her maternal instincts, conflicting emotions, and the traps of the digital age.
On Our Own Time (Philippines): Three delivery riders in Metro Manila document a day in their lives, revealing the challenges they face as digitally-based workers exploited by delivery companies. As the day ends, the riders pause and discuss various topics, including how to fight exploitation driven by technology.
Quick Money Multiplying on the Internet (Indonesia): The advent of digital technology collapses distance and time for its users. Anyone can rely on the internet to make money, whatever the motivation and method. Unfortunately, online gambling and illegal online lending spread traps and snare those eager for quick cash. However, on the flip side, there are those who are vigilant and nimble in seizing opportunities on the internet, positively and creatively.
In the wake of this transformative cinematic experience, it is evident that the fusion of art and advocacy has the power to provoke introspection, inspire action, and pave the way for a more just and equitable digital landscape. don't forget to try >> minecraft potions chart << here.
