Solo Strengthens Its Cultural Identity Through the 2025 Film Festival

Surakarta, November 6, 2025 – The city of Solo once again became the center of attention in Indonesia’s film scene through the successful staging of the Solo Film Festival (SFF) 2025, held on October 25–26, 2025, at Taman Balekambang, Surakarta.

This year, SFF served as a platform for filmmakers and creative communities to showcase their best works. Carrying the theme “Hari-Hari Komedi” (Days of Comedy), the festival presented a lineup of short films blending humor with the realities of everyday life.

Over two days, audiences were treated to a variety of programs, including Layar Komedi Kelas Kakap, Layar Komedi Tragedi, and Layar Komedi Nostalgia, the latter held in collaboration with the Indonesian Film Archivist Society (IFAS).

Beyond film screenings, the festival also featured engaging side events such as a sharing session titled “Canda Cuan” with filmmaker Jeihan Angga, a community forum “Mak Thir Mak Duar”, as well as stand-up comedy performances and music showcases that enlivened the festive evenings.

One of the most talked-about performances came from Arum Mudub, a Solo-based artist known for blending illustration and comedy in her act. With lighthearted takes on household dramas and social anxieties, Arum successfully drew laughter from the audience before the film screenings began.

Among the short films showcased were “Ulat-Ulat Menggeliat” by Taufik Wicaksono, “Tanda Tangan Sang Bapak” by Bertrand Valentino and Hanif Zaini Abdullah, “Bersama Membangun Negeri” by Deo Mahameru, and “Labirin Lembusora” by Gugun Arief. Despite their comedic tone, these films depicted stories that closely reflected social realities.

Through Solo Film Festival 2025, the city of Solo reaffirmed its identity as a cultural hub and creative space that continues to support the growth of Indonesia’s film industry. The festival was not only about laughter on the screen, but also about celebrating collaboration, creativity, and the boundless spirit of Indonesian filmmakers.

By , Alisa Noory