Minister Invites Santri to Create Films with AI and Share Pesantren Stories

Minister Urges Santri to Use AI in Filmmaking

Jakarta – The Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, encourages santri, students of Islamic boarding schools, to experiment with filmmaking by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their creative process.

“AI will become an essential tool in the future. It can assist filmmakers and might even create films by itself one day. However, this must be guided by strong artistic skills,” Zon said during his visit to Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School in Jakarta.

Balancing Technology with Creativity

While technology simplifies many aspects of film production, Zon stresses the importance of combining it with solid creative and technical skills. Filmmaking requires thoughtful planning and execution beyond just technological assistance.

Encouraging Local Stories in Cinema

Zon invites santri to bring forward stories from daily life in Indonesia’s diverse regions. These narratives can form compelling film scripts that enrich the nation’s cinema. Tales of heroism, childhood, and life within pesantren traditions offer fresh perspectives that deserve to be shared on screen.

“Many students study in pesantren, and there are numerous untold stories, especially from historical Islamic preaching traditions. These can diversify our film genres beyond what is commonly seen,” he added.

Growth and Opportunity in Indonesia’s Film Industry

The Minister highlighted the rising presence of Indonesian films at international festivals and the increasing attendance in cinemas across the country. This trend opens doors for young filmmakers to contribute meaningfully and promote national culture through their work.

“We share the responsibility to advance Indonesian culture and gain recognition internationally,” Zon emphasized.

Santri Film Festival 2025 as a Platform

Through the Ministry of Culture’s upcoming Santri Film Festival 2025, Zon hopes to provide a stage for aspiring filmmakers from pesantren backgrounds to flourish both nationally and internationally.

For creatives interested in integrating AI into their projects, exploring relevant courses can be a practical next step. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer valuable knowledge on AI tools applicable to video production and storytelling.