Community
Empowerment

Belonging • Resilience • Thriving

Getting Closer to

Community empowerment begins with a sense of belonging when individuals feel connected, heard, and have the space to grow together. Amid evolving social challenges, collective strength becomes the key to building resilience and creating a more inclusive future.

The Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival 2026 serves as a platform for expression, amplifying stories of change through short films. Carrying the theme of Community Empowerment with the tagline “Belonging, Resilience, and Thriving,” this festival invites filmmakers, students, communities, and NGOs to share stories of solidarity, compassion, and real action in building stronger, more empowered communities.

This festival is part of Inspiring Asia, an annual regional initiative that celebrates Asia's cultural diversity, spirit of innovation, and commitment to positive change through short films. In Indonesia, this movement takes shape through #InspiringIndonesia a cross-sector collaboration that brings together creators, organizations, and strategic partners to expand impact and drive sustainable change.

The best works from Indonesia will advance to the regional stage in Asia and have the opportunity to be showcased at the Grand Final in Manila , Philippines , opening doors to international recognition and becoming part of the broader conversation on social change. Together, let's support their work, amplify their stories, and be part of a movement that fosters belonging, resilience, and a better future.

Objectives

Raising Awareness on Community Empowerment

Leveraging the power of visual storytelling to build public awareness about the importance of belonging, solidarity, and collective action in addressing social challenges, so that the values of community empowerment can be better understood and experienced by a wider audience.

Empowering Filmmakers

Providing a platform for filmmakers to express their creativity, highlight community stories, connect with industry professionals, and gain recognition for their work while also encouraging the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers focused on social impact.

Supporting Community-Based Initiatives and Organizations

Highlighting and strengthening the role of communities, social organizations, and local initiatives that drive real change, while expanding their impact through the Inspiring Asia platform.

Positioning Indonesia as a Hub for Social-Themed Films

Inspiring more Indonesian film productions that meaningfully explore the power of communities and social issues, while strengthening Indonesia's position on the global stage as a creative hub for social change.

Awards & Opportunities

From Indonesia to Asia
Award Categories & Prizes

Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival 2026 #InspiringIndonesia
presents three main award categories

Best Micro
Film Award

Recognizing excellence in storytelling, cinematography, and the delivery of community empowerment themes through short films.

Tingkat Regional (Indonesia):

Winner

Rp 75,000,000

Best Project
Award

Honoring impactful social initiatives featured in films, with a focus on community empowerment and sustainable solutions.

Tingkat Regional (Indonesia):

Winner

Rp 100,000,000

Best AI Film
Award

Recognizing innovative and impactful AI-based films that highlight social issues and community empowerment.

Tingkat Regional (Indonesia):

Winner

Rp 30,000,000

Timeline

01Open Registration

21 April – 30 June 2026

02Internal Selection

1 – 15 July 2026

03Semi-Finalists Announcement & Onboarding Meeting

16 – 20 July 2026

04Community Vetting
(Validation and Community Support)

21 Juli – 11 August 2026

05Final Evaluation and Assessment

12 – 16 August 2026

06Announcement Finalists Inspiring Indonesia and Data Submission to Inspiring Asia

17 August 2026

07Regional Screening
& Winners Awarding

September 2026

FAQ About

What is #InspiringIndonesia Micro Film Festival?

#InspiringIndonesia is part of the Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival, a regional initiative that showcases socially themed short films from across Asia and provides opportunities for Indonesian works to be featured at the regional level.

What is this year’s main theme?

This year's theme is “Community Empowerment: Belonging · Resilience · Thriving,” highlighting the power of communities in driving change, building resilience, and growing together.

Who can participate?

Open to:

Filmmakers (independent or professional)
Students (High School/University)
Communities or Creatve Group
Non-profil organizations/NGOs or social institution
Individuals with community-based stories or initiatives

What competition categories are available?

There are theree categories

Best Micro Film
Best Project
Best AI Film

What is the Best Project category and who is eligible to participate?

The Best Project category is awarded to community empowerment projects or initiatives that are already in implementation and demonstrate strong social impact. The featured programs are expected to have proven solutions, as well as the potential to scale and sustain over time, and are presented through a short film. Evaluation focuses on both the tangible impact created and the film's ability to convey the story clearly, creatively, and emotionally. This category is open to non-profit organizations, communities, and social enterprises aiming to strengthen and expand the impact of their programs.

Are there any nationality requirements?

Yes. Individual applicants must be Indonesian citizens (WNI) and hold a valid national ID (KTP). For teams/organizations, at least the main applicant must be an Indonesian citizen. International team members are allowed as long as they are based in Indonesia and participate in the entire festival process.

What is the duration of the micro film?

Film duration: 3-6 minutes (5 minutes recommended)
Format MP4/MOV/AVI, 16:9, min. 720p, max. 5GB
English Subtitle (if not in English)
Poster (landscape & portrait), min. 3 still image, and a synopsis

For Best Project (additional requirements):

Organization/community profile
Description of the ongoing project
Purpose of showcasing the project
Development plan

Will the prizes be subject to tax?

Yes. Prize taxes will be borne by the participants/winners in accordance with the applicable tax regulations in Indonesia.

Can an individual be involved in more than one film?

Yes. An individual may contribute to more than one film, either as part of different teams or in different roles, as long as each submitted film is unique and not duplicative.
For example, you can participate in the Best Micro Film category as a director, and also be involved in the Best Project Award as part of another organization's team.

Can a group submit more than one film?

Yes, it is allowed. A group or community may submit more than one film, provided that each film has a different story and approach and meets all requirements separately.

Is collaboration between organizations allowed?

Yes, collaboration between two or more organizations is allowed.
However, for submission and administrative purposes, only one organization must officially submit the film.
We recommend that collaborating organizations agree in advance on who will act as the primary applicant and represent the film throughout the festival process.
If the film wins a prize, the prize funds will be awarded only to the primary applicant, who will be responsible for distributing them to other involved parties.

Can films that have been submitted to other festivals be entered?

Yes! Films that have previously been submitted to, or even won awards at, other festivals are still eligible for submission to #InspiringIndonesia, as long as they are not under any exclusive agreement with another party. We encourage participants to honestly disclose the film's status in the application form.

What about plagiarism or copyright infringement?

All submitted films must be original works and must not infringe upon any third-party copyrights
Participants must declare that:
- The film is their original wor
- They have not used any third-party content without permission
- They are willing to accept consequences, including disqualification, if any violation is proven
- This declaration is also included in the application form and must be agreed upon by all participants.