Expanding Cultural Access for Underserved Communities

Jakarta, VIVA – In many parts of Indonesia, children from underserved communities grow up without access to cultural spaces like museums, theaters, or cinemas. Financial hardship and limited infrastructure often prevent them from experiencing the arts—tools essential for imagination, empathy, and critical thinking.

To address this gap, more than 13,000 children were invited to cinemas in July 2025 as part of a nationwide initiative marking National Children’s Day. The program was organized by Cinépolis Cinemas in collaboration with Visinema Studios.

The initiative featured a special re-release of Jumbo, a locally made animated film celebrating friendship, courage, and ambition. Screenings took place simultaneously in 56 Cinépolis locations across Indonesia, including both metropolitan and remote areas.

The event is part of Cinépolis' ongoing “Let’s Go to Cinépolis” program, first launched in 2023 to provide inclusive cinema experiences for economically disadvantaged communities. Organizers hope to encourage early engagement with local storytelling and creative expression.

“Every child deserves to feel the magic of storytelling in a shared, creative space,” said Alejandro Aguilera Garibay, CEO of Cinépolis Cinemas Indonesia. “We’re not just showing a film—we’re opening access to cultural experiences many have never had before.”

To make the experience more inviting, some screenings were held in Cinépolis Junior auditoriums, designed specifically for children. These venues include play zones, soft flooring, and colorful seating to ensure a safe and engaging environment.

The program reached children across a wide geographical range, from Jakarta and Surabaya to Kupang and Lubuklinggau. This broad distribution aimed to include children beyond the urban centers typically served by such initiatives.

Jumbo was chosen not only for its appeal to young audiences, but also for its strong moral themes and cultural relevance. The story of a young elephant chasing his dreams was intended to inspire children who may face daily hardships.

Anggia Kharisma, Chief Content Officer at Visinema Studios, supported the collaboration. “From the beginning, Jumbowas made to connect families and share meaningful moments,” she said.

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The program reached children across a wide geographical range, from Jakarta and Surabaya to Kupang and Lubuklinggau. This broad distribution aimed to include children beyond the urban centers typically served by such initiatives.