History

International Indigenous Film Festival is an initiative established by Emmanuela Shinta to support and develop social documentary filmmaking within the context of indigenous values in preserving culture and voice the rights of indigenous people. Initiated from the grassroots level in Kalimantan since 2015 (KIIFF). Indigenous Film Festival has evolved from a local event to an international event since 2018. The festivals are held annually as Bali International Indigenous Film Festival (BIIFF), Kalimantan Indigenous Film Festival (KIFF), Kuching International Indigenous Film Festival (KIIFF) hosted by Ranu Welum Foundation, an Indigenous-led organization founded by Emmanuela Shinta.

Documenting cultural stories and raising awareness can bring heart-based indigenous wisdom to mainstream audiences. The films cover a variety of topics including indigenous wisdom, connection with nature, solution focused alternatives, land rights issues, success stories, forest preservation, and use of technology to support indigenous interests. It is a platform for indigenous filmmakers to showcase their films to the global audience, connect to international indigenous filmmaking community network, and share the stories from their tribes all across the globe.