Sixteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Though they are close neighbours Australians and Indonesians remain largely ignorant of each other’s cultures, stories, and societies. In recent times many have pointed to this lack of understanding as a source of misunderstandings and tensions within the bilateral relationship. Over the past several decades, both diplomatic and non-government programs of bilateral exchange and collaboration in the arts have led to successful outcomes in theatre, dance, and the visual arts. However, these programs and exhibitions have largely been out of reach of ordinary Australians and Indonesians. In 2016, a binational short film competition and festival was established to provide a new and more accessible platform for sharing stories across these national borders. The ReelOzInd! Australia Indonesia Short Film Festival is an initiative of the Australia-Indonesia Centre with a focus on creating opportunities for communities in both countries to share and watch content they would otherwise be unlikely to see. Its binational, rather than regional focus, makes it a somewhat unique festival conceived with the explicit objective of seeking to improve understanding between the two nations. The festival’s open competition format attracts mostly new and emerging filmmakers and its grassroots-led pop-up model using innovative digital technologies has allowed its audiences to tailor the festival format to suit their local contexts. Five years on, how can its impact as an arts exchange aimed at enhancing cross-cultural understanding be measured? What have been the successes and challenges for the festival in reaching publics in these diverse communities?