GADING SERPONG — Another proud achievement has been earned by the students of SMAK Tunas Bangsa Gading Serpong in the field of audiovisual arts. In a short film competition organized by Canisius College, Jeremiah Asriel Gunawan, Danielle Princess Widjaja, and Aurelea Louise Maria won 2nd Place with their latest short film, “Jatuh, Bangkit Kembali” (Falling, Rising Again).
This short film not only showcases technical skill in cinematography and editing, but also conveys a profound moral message about the importance of humility, empathy, and the value of collaboration.
“Jatuh, Bangkit Kembali” tells the story of a teenager trapped in overconfidence. He is reluctant to work in a team because he feels he is the most capable, does not trust the quality of others’ work, and believes he can do everything on his own without anyone’s help.
However, the story takes a turning point when the main character has an unexpected encounter with a sick woman at a train station. That precious moment at the station becomes an epiphany: that human beings cannot live alone. He learns to tear down his ego, accept help, and begin to appreciate the contributions of the people around him.
“Through this film, we want to voice that great talent and ability mean nothing without humility. Learning to accept and appreciate others is part of the process of maturing in character,” said Jeremiah Asriel.
Behind the Scenes: Overcoming Technical Challenges and Time Management
The production of this short film was not without obstacles. The students faced various challenges in the field, from the dynamics of filming in public locations such as a train station, to aligning the emotional flow of the story within a limited duration, to managing their time amid a busy school academic schedule.
“Our biggest challenge was filming scenes in public places and balancing exam preparation with the shooting schedule. Interestingly, though, the story of this film actually reflects our own working process behind the scenes. We learned to keep our egos in check, divide tasks according to each person’s strengths, and trust one another. We thank all our friends and teachers who took part as actors and supporters. Without the cooperation of the entire team, this film would never have been finished,” said Danielle Princess Widjaja, representing the filmmaking team.
This success is a special milestone for the team members, considering the long process and struggle they have gone through together, from one competition to the next.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to take part in this competition. Before this, the three of us had only participated in short film competitions twice. Armed with that experience, Jeremiah, Danielle, and I decided to try a challenge at a more prestigious event. At first we were very nervous and did not set high expectations. However, I believe this achievement came about through God’s grace, solid teamwork, and the support of our friends and teachers at school. We hope our works can have a positive impact and help encourage people who are struggling through their own problems,” added Aurelea Louise Maria.
This achievement is clear proof of SMAK Tunas Bangsa Gading Serpong’s commitment to guiding students in developing their interests, talents, and creativity. The school is committed to nurturing a generation with the character of Christ, competence, and a spirit of leadership, who become a blessing to others (Building a Mighty Generation).
Maranata Sih Nugraha, Principal of SMAK Tunas Bangsa Gading Serpong, expressed pride in the students’ consistent work:
“We greatly appreciate the dedication of these children. Through artistic works such as short films, they not only hone 21st-century technical skills but also spread positive values that inspire others. This is the essence of the character education we want to instill.”
This victory adds to the growing list of achievements of the SMA Kristen Tunas Bangsa Gading Serpong film team. Previously, this talented group of students has also won championships in various inter-school short film competitions.
For those who would like to watch the students’ cinematic works and creative journey, documentation of the short films by SMA Kristen Tunas Bangsa Gading Serpong students, including their previous award-winning works, can be viewed directly through the link below.
