Unusia Hosts Film Screening & Discussion Highlighting *Pesantren* Life in Documentary
Humas Unusia
Content Writer
Jakarta – Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia University (Unusia), through its Faculty of Nusantara Islam (FIN), held a film screening and discussion titled "Islamic College: A Day in the Life of a *Pesantren*" on Monday (August 10, 2026). The event, held at the Jakoeb Oetama Hall on the 4th floor of Unusia starting at 14:00 WIB, was attended by Unusia Rector Dr. Fariz Alnizar and the management team of the History of Islamic Civilization (SPI) Study Program at the Faculty of Nusantara Islam.
The event began with an opening and an introduction to the documentary, followed by a screening of the film created by Prof. James B. Hoesterey from Emory University, USA. The film depicts daily life at the Al-Muttaqien Pancasila Sakti Islamic Boarding School (*Pesantren*) in 2007, covering everything from the lives of the students (*santri*) and formal educational activities to religious observances, social interactions, and traditions within the *pesantren* environment.
Following the screening, the event proceeded to a discussion and Q&A session. The discussion explored various aspects of *pesantren* life, Islamic education, traditions, social values, and the dynamics of religious life in Indonesian society. Prof. James B. Hoesterey attended as both the filmmaker and a resource person, while Hairus Salim HS, a member of the Film Censorship Board (LSF), served as the discussion initiator. The session was moderated by Novia Turokhmah.
The documentary served not only as a visual portrayal of *pesantren* life but also as a medium for learning and reflection, allowing participants to observe educational practices, traditions, and the socio-religious environment of the *pesantren*. The discussion also provided a platform for participants to share questions, perspectives, and academic responses.
Through this event, the Faculty of Nusantara Islam at Unusia aims to foster a culture of literacy and appreciation for documentary films while opening a space for academic discourse regarding *pesantren* and Islamic life in Indonesia. The event is open to both students and the general public, serving as part of FIN Unusia’s efforts to create a learning space that bridges academic study with reflection on community life.