Bridging Cultures Through Cinema, Agung Putra University (APU) Delegation Attends FSAI 2026 Screening in Semarang
SEMARANG – Expanding global perspectives can take place not only through academic activities. Art and culture also provide opportunities for people to learn about one another and understand perspectives from different countries.
This spirit brought a delegation from Agung Putra University (APU) to the Festival Sinema Australia–Indonesia (FSAI) 2026 at DP Mall Semarang on Friday evening, 8 May 2026. APU's participation in the event was part of the university's efforts to expand its interactions and international network through activities that bring Indonesian and Australian communities together.
Enjoying Dangerous Animals at FSAI
During the evening screening, the invited guests watched Dangerous Animals, a 2025 horror-thriller directed by Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne. The 98-minute film follows Zephyr, a surfer who is kidnapped by a serial killer with an obsession with sharks.
The story develops as Zephyr tries to escape from the boat where she is being held captive. The situation becomes increasingly tense as she faces the killer's plan to make her part of a dangerous game involving sharks.
Starring Hassie Harrison, Jai Courtney, Josh Heuston, and Ella Newton, the film was previously screened in the Directors' Fortnight program at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Dangerous Animals also received recognition at several international award events, including a nomination for the Directors' Fortnight Audience Award at Cannes and a nomination for Best Indie Film at the 2025 Astra Midseason Movie Awards. At the 2026 AACTA Awards, Jai Courtney received a nomination for Best Lead Actor, while the film was also nominated for Best Original Song.
Cinema as a Space for Cultural Exchange
For the APU delegation, attending FSAI 2026 was about more than watching a film. The event also provided an opportunity to interact with other guests and experience the atmosphere of cultural exchange created by the festival.
Through cinema, different stories and perspectives can come together in one space. This makes film a simple yet meaningful way to introduce cultural works, encourage conversations, and build understanding between people from different countries.
The participation of the APU delegation in FSAI 2026 also shows that global networks can be built through various forms of interaction, including art and culture. Alongside education, research, and technology, cross-cultural experiences such as this are part of APU's efforts to create an academic environment that is open to the international community.