Sumedang Short Film Festival
2025
About SSFF 2025
Our humble beginningThe Sumedang Short Film Festival is an annual event aimed at bringing together independent filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and local communities into a single, organized creative platform. The first SSFF was held in 2020, driven by the spirit of supporting the creative economy sector, tourism, culture, and education in Sumedang during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. In its inaugural year, the festival was open exclusively to films produced by filmmakers from Sumedang. The successful organization of the Sumedang Short Film Festival for four consecutive years has inspired the committee to aim even higher. In 2025, the Sumedang Short Film Festival is expanding its scope to include participants from ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste, and Australia, under the brand "5th Annual Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025" (SSFF 25).
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SSFF 2025
Award Winners
Celebrating filmmakers, celebrating stories.
The Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025 proudly announces the winners across its six award categories. These distinguished filmmakers are recognized for their outstanding creativity, exceptional storytelling, and remarkable contributions to the art of short cinema.
Donation Box
(Best Fiction Live-Action Winner)
Gaban (12), a son and his FATHER (43) stole a charity box from a grand mosque. They were pursued by religious fanatics cloaked in nationalism. In his escape, Gaban realized that in this world, honesty and the poor have no place. The villagers’ hunt stirred up by the mosque imam ends up exposing religious absurdity and collective hypocrisy.
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Director:Muhammad Jaya
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Producer:Heriawan
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Writer:Achmad Muslih Navis
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Key Cast:Fajri Syamsirani (Bapak), Boncel (Gaban), Achmad Junaidi (Imam Masjid)
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Country:Indonesia
The Vanishing Fireflies
(Best Fiction Animation Winner)
In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in Tabango, Leyte, young Russell clings to a single firefly for comfort as the storm shatters his world. When the fireflies that once lit his nights begin to disappear, Russell must brave the darkness to find a new light of hope in the face of overwhelming loss.
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Director:JP Corton
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Producer:Jaime Morados
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Writer:Linus Masandag
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Country:Philippines
African Roots: The Hearts of Little Black Sheep
(Best Documentary Winner)
Documentary film interviewing 4 young people of African-Indonesian descent. This film explores the cultural dilemmas faced by the sources. Studying how they adapt to Indonesian culture, even though their community has its own culture. Discrimination while growing up. Revealing the freedom that young people of African-Indonesian descent have, based on differences in the environment around them.
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Director:Jordan Gersson Salim
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Producer:Denendro Putro Nuswantoro
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Writer:Jordan Gersson Salim
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Editor:Muhammad Fazle Maula Safruddin, Faiz Zhalifun Nafzi
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Key Cast:Marylin Nnenna Igboke
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Country:Indonesia
Hajat Lembur
(Best Local Winner)
In Kadakajaya Village, Sumedang, the community upholds the ancient annual tradition called Hajat Lembur. This essential ritual expresses gratitude for the harvest and assures the village’s safety. Through shared prayer, offerings, and togetherness, residents unite their spiritual values and local wisdom. This documentary explores the meaning behind every symbol from the yellow bamboo to the "tumpeng" rice cone reflecting the deep brotherhood and communal harmony maintained amidst changing times.
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Director:Hamzah Alfaizal Syafari
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Producer:Muhammad Nizar Alfauzi
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Writer:Hamzah Alfaizal Syafari
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Key Cast:Rohman Gumilar
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Country:Indonesia
Sisenta!
(Special Award for Promoting Diversity)
Cora has just turned sixty and received her senior citizen’s privilege card, marking the start of a new chapter in her life. After reconnecting with her high school barkada, she rekindles a deep bond with Gina, a friend who has secretly harbored feelings for her since their youth. What begins as nostalgia soon blossoms into something deeper, pushing Cora to confront emotions unfamiliar to her. Meanwhile, her gay son, Carlo, becomes her anchor, guiding her through this unexpected journey of self-discovery and love.
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Director:Mae Malaya
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Producer:Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo, Denbert M. Tiamson
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Writer:Mae Malaya, Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo
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Key Cast:Shamaine Centenera Buencamino (Cora), Precious Paula Nicole (Carlo), Carla Zarcal (Gina)
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Country:Philippines
Nadir
(Special Jury's Choice Award)
NN lives in an environment that is completely at odds with who they are. Their past has made them lose faith in the concept of God-only the plants they care for and Yono, a man who runs a plant shop and seems to share the same beliefs, offer any sense of connection. One day, NN decides to prove that God does not exist and begins to challenge Him. One by one, their wishes are granted -but the consequences are far from what they expected. NN's life starts to change in unexpected ways.
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Director:Fattah Fajar
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Producer:Sausan Bilqis
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Writer:Vinsensius Aditya
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Key Cast:Parlindungan Tampubolon, Abiyyu Tsaqiif, Sandi Prabowo
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Country:Indonesia
Nadir
(Special Jury's Choice Award)
NN lives in an environment that is completely at odds with who they are. Their past has made them lose faith in the concept of God-only the plants they care for and Yono, a man who runs a plant shop and seems to share the same beliefs, offer any sense of connection. One day, NN decides to prove that God does not exist and begins to challenge Him. One by one, their wishes are granted -but the consequences are far from what they expected. NN's life starts to change in unexpected ways.
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Director:Fattah Fajar
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Producer:Sausan Bilqis
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Writer:Vinsensius Aditya
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Key Cast:Parlindungan Tampubolon, Abiyyu Tsaqiif, Sandi Prabowo
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Country:Indonesia
The Vanishing Fireflies
(Best Fiction Animation Winner)
In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in Tabango, Leyte, young Russell clings to a single firefly for comfort as the storm shatters his world. When the fireflies that once lit his nights begin to disappear, Russell must brave the darkness to find a new light of hope in the face of overwhelming loss.
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Director:JP Corton
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Producer:Jaime Morados
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Writer:Linus Masandag
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Country:Philippines
Award Categories
Diverse Awards for Diverse Stories.The Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025 features diverse award categories that celebrate creativity and excellence in short filmmaking. Each category highlights outstanding works, honoring talent and innovation from local and international filmmakers.
Best Documentary
The Best Documentary award honors compelling non-fiction short films that tell real stories with authenticity and creativity, inspiring audiences through powerful storytelling.
Best Fiction (Animation)
The Best Fiction (Animation) award recognizes the most imaginative and captivating animated short films that tell fictional stories with creativity and artistic excellence.
Best Fiction (Live Action)
The Best Fiction (Live Action) award honors the most compelling and well-crafted live-action short films that tell fictional stories with creativity and emotional impact.
Best Local
The Best Local award recognizes outstanding short films that highlight local culture, stories, and talents from the Sumedang region, celebrating authentic voices and community spirit.
Special Award for Promoting Diversity
The Special Award for Promoting Diversity honors a short film that powerfully represents diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives, fostering inclusion and understanding through storytelling.
Special Jury
The Special Jury Prize is awarded to a short film that demonstrates exceptional creativity, originality, or impact, as recognized by the festival’s jury panel beyond the standard categories.
Submitted Film
Nominees
Award Categories
Total Countries
Celebrating SSFF 2025
Nominees
Honoring Every Story, Celebrating Every Voice.
Featuring a curated selection of standout films that have won awards at previous festivals, presenting inspiring and memorable stories from talented filmmakers.
Meet The SSFF 2025
Juries
Guiding Stories, Celebrating Vision.
The jury of Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025 consists of a diverse group of accomplished filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals. Each juror brings a unique perspective and deep experience in storytelling, film production, and cinematic arts. They are here to celebrate creativity, recognize outstanding talent, and carefully evaluate this year’s short films, inspiring filmmakers to push the boundaries of their craft.
Mahatma Putra
Director/Filmmaker
Matthias Hektor Ventker
Actor/Filmmaker/Pianist
Yoshimasa Higashi
Filmmaker/Mangaka
SSFF 2025 Themes
From Sumedang to the Southeast, Building Bonds Through FilmThe Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025 (SSFF 25) carries the theme "Southeast Solidarity" with the aim of uniting various sectors, both from the local community and filmmakers from diverse nations across the Southeast region of the world. Through its implementation, the festival will showcase a representation of life in Sumedang to the eyes of the world. Additionally, the festival seeks to present the perspective of the Sumedang community on the values of brotherhood within an international context.
SSFF 2025
Programs
Diverse Programs, One Festival Spirit.
SSFF 2025 offers a variety of programs including film screenings, exhibitions, and networking events. These activities aim to inspire, educate, and connect filmmakers and audiences, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative community.
SSFF 2025
Call for Sponsors & Partners
Thank you for your generous support
"We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support and commitment, which have played a vital role in the successful realization of this event."
Media Partners
AvailableJoin us in celebrating creativity and supporting emerging filmmakers! As a media partner, gain exposure, network opportunities, and be part of a growing movement in Sumedang.
Official Sponsors
AvailableSupport the future of Sumedang cinema and connect your brand with a passionate, creative, and growing audience. As an official sponsor, your brand will gain strong visibility, community impact, and a place in the heart of the festival.
Community Partners
AvailableWe invite communities, creative groups, and youth organizations to collaborate as Community Partners in celebrating local stories and emerging filmmakers in Sumedang.
Supported By
Official Video Platform Partners
Media Partners
SSFF 2025 Proposal
Official proposal for sponsors, media, and community collaboratorsShort Film Festival Sumedang 2025 (SSFF 2025) is a celebration of stories, voices, and visions from emerging filmmakers across Indonesia. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and community impact, the festival opens doors for meaningful partnerships that support local talent and cultural expression. Join us in bringing these stories to life and shaping a stronger creative future together.
Download
Our
Timeline
From Submission to Celebration: SSFF 2025 Timeline.”
The SSFF 2025 timeline outlines key dates and milestones, guiding participants through submission deadlines, screening schedules, workshops, and the awarding night. This clear roadmap ensures everyone stays informed and engaged throughout the festival journey.
October 2025
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Festival LaunchingOctober 01, 2025The Launching of Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025 marks the opening of the festival’s official series of events. This program aims to introduce and socialize SSFF 2025 to filmmakers and the general public through a Press Release and Press Conference. |
12.00 pm |
Sumedang Creative CenterWatch Online |
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Open SubmissionOctober 01, 2025Open Submission is an invitation for filmmakers to submit their short films to Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. This stage opens opportunities for filmmakers from participating countries to take part in the official selection of the festival. Through this program, SSFF 2025 seeks diverse stories, perspectives, and cinematic expressions that reflect the spirit of creativity, solidarity, and cultural exchange. |
00.00 am |
FilmFreeWay |
November 2025
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Close SubmissionNovember 08, 2025Close Submission marks the official end of the film submission period for Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. At this stage, the submission platform will be closed and all submitted films will proceed to the selection and curation process. This moment signifies the transition from open participation to the evaluation phase of the festival. |
23.59 pm |
FilmFreeWay |
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Start of Curration PhaseNovember 09, 2025The Start of the Curation Phase marks the beginning of the evaluation process for all films submitted to Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. During this stage, the curatorial team reviews and assesses each film to determine its eligibility and alignment with the festival’s vision, theme, and artistic standards. |
00.00 am |
Program |
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End of Curration PhaseNovember 22, 2025The End of the Curation Phase marks the completion of the review and evaluation process for all submitted films at Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. At this stage, the curatorial team finalizes the selected films that will proceed to the nomination and judging stages. |
23.59 pm |
Program |
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Start of Judging PhaseNovember 23, 2025The Start of the Judging Phase marks the beginning of the official assessment of nominated films at Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. During this stage, the jury evaluates each nominated film based on artistic quality, storytelling, and overall cinematic achievement to determine the winners in each category. |
00.00 am |
Program |
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Nominations AnouncementNovember 23, 2025The Nominations Announcement marks the official reveal of the nominated films for Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. At this stage, five award categories out of the six available categories are announced, highlighting selected films that have successfully passed the curation and judging processes and are now recognized as official nominees of the festival. |
18.00 pm |
Sumedang IPP BuildingWatch Online |
December 2025
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First Day of Screening & ExhibitionDecember 01, 2025The First Day of Screening & Exhibition marks the opening of public film screenings and cultural exhibitions at Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. Held at Limasan’s Finest, this program presents selected films alongside cultural displays, creating a shared space for filmmakers, audiences, and the local community to engage with cinema and culture. |
13.00 pm |
Limasan's Finest |
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Second Day of Screening & ExhibitionDecember 02, 2025The Second Day of Screening & Exhibition continues the festival program at Kausa Coffee & Space Sumedang, featuring selected short films alongside cultural exhibitions. This day also includes a special talkshow hosted by Goethe-Institut Bandung, offering insights into film, culture, and international collaboration for filmmakers and audiences alike. |
13.00 pm |
Kausa Coffee & Eatery |
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Third Day of Screening & ExhibitionDecember 03, 2025The Third Day of Screening & Exhibition takes place at Objek Wisata Mata Air Cigirang Sumedang, featuring curated short films alongside cultural displays. This day also includes a hands-on workshop by Panti Baca Ceria, providing interactive learning experiences for filmmakers, students, and the local community. |
13.00 pm |
Wisata Air Mata Cigirang |
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End of Judging PhaseDecember 03, 2025The End of the Judging Phase marks the completion of the official evaluation process for all nominated films at Sumedang Short Film Festival 2025. At this stage, the jury finalizes their decisions, determining the winners in each category, in preparation for the upcoming Awarding Night. |
23.59 pm |
Program |
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Fourth Day of Screening & ExhibitionDecember 04, 2025The Fourth Day of Screening & Exhibition takes place at Tampomas Eco Park Sumedang, featuring curated short films alongside cultural programs. This day offers filmmakers, audiences, and the local community a shared space to explore diverse cinematic works, fostering dialogue, appreciation, and cultural exchange as the festival approaches its grand finale. |
13.00 pm |
Tampomas Eco Park |
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The SSFF 2025 Awarding NightOctober 06, 2025The SSFF 2025 Awarding Night marks the grand finale of the festival, celebrating the achievements of filmmakers and their exceptional short films. Broadcast live to 12 participating countries, the event honors winners across all categories, recognizes the contributions of curators and jury members, and features artistic performances that highlight the rich culture of Sumedang. It is a night of celebration, solidarity, and cinematic excellence. |
19.00 pm |
Sumedang IPP BuildingStream Online |
FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsAnswers to common questions about SSFF 2025, covering submissions, eligibility, programs, and participation to help guide your festival experience.
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What film categories are eligible for submission to SSFF 2025?
-Live Action Fiction Films with duration of 10 to 20 minutes.
-Animated Fictions Films with duration of 5 to 10 minutes.
-Documentary Films with duration of 10 to 20 minutes. -
Is there a production year limit for eligible films?
Only films produced no earlier than 2023 are eligible for submission.
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Who is eligible to submit to SSFF 2025?
The festival is open to citizens of the following countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and the host country, Indonesia.
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When does the SSFF 25 submission open and close?
Submissions open on Wednesday, October the first, 2025, and close on Sunday, November the eight, 2025.
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How to submit SSFF 2025?
Submissions must be made online through the official SSFF 2025 FilmFreeWay Link.
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What are the submission requirements?
Applicants are required to prepare and upload the following materials:
- Scan/Photo of IID card which applies in one of the ASEAN countries, Timor Leste or Australia
- Film file in HD resolution (1920 x 1080, Mp4 format)
- English subtitles (mandatory, including for films in English or regional languages).
- Trailer file with duration of 30–60 seconds.
- Short Director Profile (25–100 words).
- Short Synopsis file (50–100 words).
- Still photos (minimum of 3).
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