FIB Unhas — The name Riri Riza is no stranger to Indonesian film enthusiasts. This acclaimed director, born in Makassar, “came home” to Universitas Hasanuddin not to promote a commercial feature film, but to share his knowledge as part of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’ (FIB) 65th Anniversary celebrations. Over two days, December 7–8, 2025, Riri invited students to dive into the world of cinema, ranging from classroom theory to practical application on the city streets.
In a seminar session at the Prof. Mattulada Hall on Sunday (Dec 7, 2025), Riri dissected shifts in global viewing trends. He highlighted how documentaries, once frequently considered rigid and boring, have now found a grand stage through streaming services like Netflix.
“Modern documentaries do not just present information; they are capable of delivering a strong emotional experience,” he said. According to the founder of Rumata’ Art Space, non-fiction reality, when packaged with dramatic structure and creative visuals, possesses an allure that rivals fiction.
Not stopping at mere discourse, Riri challenged students to handle cameras directly. On Monday (Dec 8, 2025), eight selected FIB students who passed an essay selection process participated in an intensive workshop and masterclass. They dove straight into producing short films themed around the culinary subject “Mama Tokokue,” set against the hustle and bustle of Makassar’s Chinatown area.
Anya Nur Zakiyyah, a French Literature student from the class of 2024 who participated, recounted how Riri changed her perspective on filming. Doubts often arose while in the field, but Riri’s instructions were very clear: record first, doubt later.
“It’s okay to just take the video first; what matters is that you already have the concept or the idea,” said Anya, mimicking her mentor’s message. Now, the students’ documentary works have entered the first draft editing stage. Riri Riza’s presence at FIB Unhas was not merely ceremonial, but an effort to sow the seeds of new filmmakers who are sensitive to capturing the cultural traces around them.
