Tech Tales Film Screening
Raising Conversations on Online Gender-based Violence

Annisa Adjam is an Indonesian independent filmmaker and the chairperson of Inteamates, a storyteller community dedicated to creating social change through various storytelling forms, digital campaigns, public discussions, and social events. She has produced works in VR, fiction, animation, and documentary formats that focus on sexual trauma, gender-based violence, discrimination, and inclusivity. She addresses the critical issue of online gender-based violence in her short film, My Clouded Mind, which is part of the Tech Tales short film collection.
 

Tell us about your journey. What drove you to become a filmmaker? What is your motivation to make films?

My journey as a filmmaker has been driven by my passion for visual storytelling since I was a kid. It all started when I discovered my love for cinematography, design, and communication during a high school psychology test. At first, my parents, who come from medical and economic backgrounds, had their concerns about the cost of tuition and generally due to a limited knowledge of art schools, especially since we come from a small city. But, luckily, I managed to receive a scholarship for a master's degree in filmmaking and studied in the UK. Combining my interest in social issues and my experiences in volunteering during my undergrad years, I've realised that my purpose in life, and in filmmaking specifically, is to shine a light on important topics using creative approaches. I truly believe that filmmaking goes beyond just educating or entertaining people; it has the power to inspire change and grow empathy. So, as a filmmaker, my motivation is to create films that not only captivate audiences but also spark meaningful conversations and leave a positive impact on society.


Your short film "My Clouded Mind" raises the issue of online gender-based violence by telling the story of a young girl dealing with the trauma of having compromising photos of herself posted online. Tell us why you chose to focus on this particular aspect and form of online gender-based violence?

My team and I researched and found a staggering 400 percent increase in reported cases of online gender-based violence in Indonesia during the pandemic. Personally, I could relate to this issue from my own experiences growing up. I faced similar challenges but lacked the words to express them. This drove me to address the issue and raise awareness, particularly among young girls. It's vital for us to take control of our offline and online presence, understand our right to say no, the importance of consent, and how to break stigmas, provide support, and handle worst-case scenarios in this digital era from legal and social-psychology standpoints.
 

What did you learn about online gender-based violence in Indonesia while researching for the film? What surprised you?

What surprised me during our research for the film was the lack of support from opposite-gender or family members in cases of online gender-based violence in Indonesia. We discovered, through focus group discussions with a group of allies and data from Human Rights and Legal Aid lawyers, that victims often sought support from friends of the same gender when reporting these cases. This finding was unexpected since we believed family support would be crucial. To address this, we incorporated the feedback into the film by portraying the protagonist's older brother as an ally character, showcasing the importance of support from individuals of different genders.


Have you received any feedback or reactions from viewers, particularly those who have experienced or witnessed online gender-based violence? How has their response shaped your understanding of the issue and the impact of your film?

Some of the storyline in the film is based on off-the-record interviews I conducted with survivors, as well as my own personal experiences. I have received supportive feedback from them, which has been incredibly reassuring. Knowing that the film resonated with those who have experienced or witnessed online gender-based violence means a lot to me. I aimed to approach the topic in a way that was less triggering, incorporating metaphorical elements and colourful visuals. During Q&A sessions, I witnessed offline audience members becoming emotional and expressing how the film touched them, as it felt very relatable to their daily lives. These responses have reinforced my belief that a film can serve as a friend to someone who is struggling to find their purpose in life. It highlights the power of film as a companion for many people.


What kind of impact do you hope your film will have on the broader conversation surrounding online gender-based violence in Indonesia?

I see film as a powerful medium that allows us to reflect on our lives and society. With My Clouded Mind, my hope is that the film will serve as a catalyst for people to acknowledge the complex nature of online gender-based violence issues in Indonesia. I aspire for viewers to become more aware and courageous in starting conversations around this topic or, at the very least, in sharing the film's messages with others. In addition, we have included important hotlines in the film, which can be a valuable resource for individuals who have experienced or witnessed similar situations.


How do you believe films can contribute to social change?

Through compelling storytelling, films have the capacity to spark empathy, challenge existing beliefs, and ignite conversations that lead to positive transformation by providing viewers with a window into different life situations. Similar to books, films offer valuable insights and encourage human understanding in a subtle yet powerful manner. I firmly believe that films act as vehicles to drive various perspectives and leave behind a creative legacy that can inspire and influence societal momentum.