RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The 2026 SINEMA Screenwriting Competition in Jakarta, Monday, 20 April 2026 is celebrated not only cinematic excellence, but also revealed an unexpected source of talent within Indonesia’s film ecosystem. The event highlighted how storytelling ability can emerge from everyday backgrounds, redefining pathways into the national film industry.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, underscored that the competition serves as both a script incubator and a regeneration platform for filmmakers. He noted that the initiative supports not only established creators but also new voices entering the industry.

“Film scripts, both short and feature-length, are essential to building a strong cinematic foundation,” Fadli Zon said. He added that the program is designed to ensure a continuous supply of quality narratives for Indonesia’s growing film sector.

One of the most striking stories came from a second-place winner in the feature film category, who works as a street food vendor selling chicken noodles. Despite lacking a formal film background, the writer developed the script independently using only a mobile phone.

“This is extraordinary, it shows that talent can come from anywhere,” Fadli Zon said. He stressed that creativity is not limited to those with formal academic or cinematic training.

The minister pointed out that Indonesia has long faced challenges in the availability of strong scripts. Through competitions like SINEMA, the government aims to address this gap while encouraging hidden talents to emerge.

Besides, he also expressed hope that selected scripts would move forward into production through collaboration with producers, directors, and industry stakeholders. This step is seen as crucial in transforming written ideas into impactful films.

Fadli Zon extended appreciation to the jury panel, including Fauzan Zidni and other experts, for ensuring the quality of the selection process. The involvement of filmmakers and historians, he noted, guarantees that the resulting works are both artistically strong and historically grounded.