Cinema as a Catalyst  for Cultural Sustainability: A Phenomenological Study of Indonesian Audience Perceptions

Dwi Prasetyo; Tia Saraswati; Teguh Dwi Putranto

Authors

Dwi Prasetyo Universitas Negeri Surabaya
Tia Saraswati universitas Airlangga
Teguh Dwi Putranto Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Keywords:

cultural shock, hoax prevention, pesantren

Abstract

This study explores how Indonesian audiences perceive and interpret the representation of local culture in culturally themed films, and how these experiences contribute to cultural sustainability. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 participants aged 18–45 who had viewed films such as Laskar Pelangi, Denias, and Sang Pemimpi. Data were analyzed via a six-stage IPA workflow. The analysis revealed four major phenomenological themes: (1) nostalgia and cultural pride, (2) reflection on local identity, (3) film as a cultural education medium, and (4) emotional connection to cultural narratives. These findings show that culturally themed films serve not only as entertainment but as catalysts for identity reinforcement, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and empathy-driven cultural awareness. The study situates these results within Cultural Sustainability Theory and Media Representation Theory, demonstrating the potential of cinema to act as a bridge between diverse cultural communities in Indonesia. The research offers theoretical and practical insights for filmmakers, cultural policymakers, and educators, indicating that intentional cultural representation can strengthen national identity and motivate preservation efforts; it also informs curricular design and community-based screening initiatives. While limited in scope, this study underscores the transformative role of cinema in sustaining intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and calls for broader, comparative research to better understand media’s role in cultural sustainability.

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