The inaugural edition of the World Vegan Film Festival Asia took place on May 13th and 14th, 2023, at The 8th WVO Conference and Vegan Festival Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia. The festival showcased a captivating lineup of films that explored various aspects of veganism, ranging from animal rights and environmental sustainability to health benefits and conservation efforts. The event aimed to educate, entertain, and foster meaningful conversations about the power of a plant-based lifestyle while promoting synergy among filmmakers and encouraging vegan filmmaking.
We featured an impressive lineup of thought-provoking documentaries, inspiring short films, and captivating short animations. Each film offers a unique perspective on topics such as animal rights, the health benefits of plant-based diets, environmental conservation, and the ethical implications of food choices. Renowned filmmakers and industry professionals, including Keegan Kuhn, Dr. Harsha Atmakuri, Dr. Sailesh Rao, Zac Lovas, Michal, Julia, and story writer Mr. Jony Yuwono, were in attendance, adding their expertise and insights to the festival.
The festival featured a diverse selection of films, including award-winning documentaries such as Cowspiracy, Maa Ka Doodh (Mother’s Milk), Land of Ahimsa, and more including the premiere of 'Kamu Juga Bisa.' Film. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of vegan cinema, engage in post-screening discussions, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating a more compassionate and sustainable future.
The festival also featured the audience voting for the best films in various categories. The winners of the Audience Choice Awards were:
Best Short Animation Film : "The Spirit of the Great Heart"
Best Short Film : "The Love Stories of Luvin Arms"
Best Full-Length Film : "Eating Our Way to Extinction"
In addition to this, the World Vegan Organization and World Vegan Film Festival Asia recognized films makers such as:
1. Keegan Kuhn with The WVO Visionary Filmmaker Lifetime Achievement Award
2. Harsha Atmakuri with The WVO Golden Damur Kurung First Time Filmmaker Award
for their contribution in the filmmaking.
"We believe in the power of storytelling to ignite empathy and inspire action," said Zac Lovas [VegVoyages Foundation cofounder and World Vegan Film Festival Asia’s Spokesperson]. "By showcasing these powerful films, we hope to encourage vegan filmmaking, work to amplify voices, raise awareness, and foster a deeper understanding of our choices’ impact on animals, our health, and the environment."
With a total of 41 films showcased, including 19 short films, 11 short animations, 1 full-length animation film, and 9 feature-length films, these films delved into the intricate relationship between food choices, animal rights, and the health of our planet. The World Vegan Film Festival Asia was a resounding success, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and passionate advocates to celebrate the transformative power of vegan cinema. The event left a lasting impression on attendees and reinforced the festival's commitment to promoting compassion, sustainability, and positive change through the art of filmmaking.
