Banda Aceh News | LHOKSEUMAWE, ACEH — To strengthen organizational solidarity and nurture emerging cinematic talent, the Scenia Film Student Activity Unit (UKM Scenia Film) of Malikussaleh University (Unimal) hosted its annual welcoming assembly on Sunday at Pioneer Beach in Muara Satu District, Lhokseumawe.
Carrying the Acehnese theme “Meusapat Lam Scene, Mesaboh Lam Rasa” (Gathering in the Scene, United in Feeling), the event brought together 95 participants comprising junior members (Scenias Muda), executive board officers, senior advisors, and alumni network representatives.
The daylong gathering, running from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM WIB, served as a foundational orientation platform. Beyond fostering camaraderie between senior student filmmakers and incoming cadres, the gathering introduced new members to Scenia Film’s institutional history, creative culture, and collaborative production environment.
Official proceedings were attended by UKM Scenia Film faculty advisors Riyandhi Praza and Muchlis, senior advisory council member Ahmad Al Bastin, and various past organizational chairs.
Event Committee Chairman Dani Adithya emphasized that the welcoming assembly represents a critical milestone in establishing long-term interpersonal trust and teamwork among aspiring media creators.
“We hope this initial gathering marks the beginning of a shared journey, where we remain united from entry to graduation,” Adithya stated.
Beyond the Classroom: Film Clubs as Creative Incubators
Highlighting the strategic value of co-curricular student organizations, Executive Director of UKM Scenia Film, Fathullah Abid Lubis, noted that student film collectives provide practical skill-building opportunities rarely accessible through conventional academic lectures.
“Scenia Film serves as our space to learn, refine technical skills, tell stories, and gain field experience. There are practical disciplines and industry insights we gain here that are simply not taught in lecture halls,” Lubis explained.
Faculty Advisor Muchlis encouraged incoming members to maintain mutual respect, active peer mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving as they navigate upcoming film production cycles.
“I am thrilled to see so many energized new faces among our Scenias Muda today. I hope you acquire rich technical knowledge here and continue to march forward alongside this organization,” Muchlis remarked.
Building the Next Generation of Acehnese Media Producers
Reflecting on the experience, incoming member Roja Sapitri shared that the coastal gathering provided an welcoming entry point into the university’s arts community.
“I am delighted to get to know the broader Scenia Film family. My hope is to absorb technical filmmaking experience, expand my creative output, and grow alongside my peers,” Sapitri expressed.
By establishing early organizational cohesion, UKM Scenia Film aims to transform incoming university students into creative, collaborative media producers capable of elevating campus filmmaking and expanding regional storytelling across North Sumatra.
