Garin Nugroho on Cinema and Censorship in the Age of Disruption

Jakarta – Digital technology and online platforms have transformed how films are produced, distributed, and consumed redefining not only audience behavior but also shaping global cinema trends.

This topic took center stage during the LSF Expert Discussion titled “Global Cinema Disruption and Censorship”, featuring veteran filmmaker Garin Nugroho and hosted by the Film Censorship Institution of the Republic of Indonesia (LSF RI) in Jakarta on Tuesday (October 28, 2025).

Moderated by Hadi Artomo, Chair of the Subcommission on Censorship, the discussion also highlighted the cultural and ethical challenges currently faced by filmmakers. Garin emphasized the need for a cultural strategy amid the dominance of digital algorithms that dictate market trends.

“I realize that algorithms play a major role in shaping the market, but we must find ways not to depend entirely on them,” Garin said in response to a question from Nusantara H.K. Mulkan, Chair of LSF Publication Sub Commission, about algorithmic hegemony and its tendency to create homogenized film content.

Known for his critically acclaimed works such as Cinta dalam Sepotong Roti, Garin argued that film censorship is not merely about judging scenes, but about understanding social context, moral values, and professional ethics in filmmaking.

“In many countries, entertainment ethics form the foundation of the creative industry. We need to understand the timing and context of screenings, family values, and the social responsibilities that come with every production,” he explained.

Garin further stressed that film censorship should be grounded in democracy, not fear of public backlash. Decisions, he said, must be informed by legal philosophy, ethics, and the sociology of the nation.

“If society disagrees with a film, let’s have a discussion not resort to mob judgment,” he asserted. (Han/Nuz)