About Us
INFIS is a home for filmmakers, dreamers, and community organizers who believe that stories can change the world. Established in Surabaya since the early 2000s, INFIS exists as an alternative space where young people learn, experiment, and voice important issues through visual media. We not only produce films, but also design literacy programs, festivals, creative residencies, and cross-cultural collaborations. We bring together students, educators, artists, and citizens to create a vibrant and impactful independent film ecosystem. From school hallways to the international stage, INFIS is committed to building a generation that dares to speak up, think critically, and create with heart. Every screen is a space for growth. Every scene is a spark of change. Let's light a small light from Surabaya, for the world.
Vision
To become an inspiring, critical, and inclusive collective space for independent film in Surabaya, where every visual work becomes a medium for social change and strengthening the cultural literacy of young people.
Our Mission
1
Facilitating the production of short films and documentaries for students, youth and local communities
2
Encouraging visual literacy and critical thinking through workshops, discussions, and group screenings.
3
Building local & international collaborative networks, combining creativity and cultural diversity.
4
Encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration from arts, education, to social issues to strengthen collective impact.
5
Broadcasting stories and reflections from the field, through articles, reviews, press releases, and activity documentation, so that our voices are heard widely.
Man Behind The Wheel
Fauzan Abdillah is a producer, curator, and educator who actively drives the independent film ecosystem in Indonesia through his strategic role in INFIS, a film community based in Surabaya since 2000. As Chairman and Program Director, Fauzan leads the development of educational programs, production, and distribution of short films that focus on social issues, media literacy, and empowering the younger generation.
He is known for his collaborative approach in building safe spaces for pupils, students, and creative communities to learn visual storytelling—through initiatives such as Stufer (Student Filmmaker), Zynëtion Film Festival, and various cross-cultural collaborations with international partners such as the British Council, the Japan Foundation, and the Institut Français.
Fauzan Abdillah
Chair & Program Director – INFIS
.jpg)
History of INFIS
(2000–2004)
The beginning
The INFIS (Independent Film Surabaya) community was officially established on September 13, 2000, initiated by IGAK Satrya Wibawa, a lecturer in Communication Studies at Airlangga University.
(2008–2019)
Consolidation & Further Development
Since then, INFIS has been increasingly intensive in launching: Community production programs, cinema workshops, film screenings and discussions, open calls & collaborative festivals, film research, collaboration with educational and cultural institutions in Surabaya.