Storytelling is not merely a complementary element in the creative industry but a central force that drives the market. This was conveyed by Yandy Laurens, a leading Indonesian film director and screenwriter, during a talk show titled “Story Driven Market: Lessons from Indonesia’s Creative Industry”, part of the Young Entrepreneurs Show (YES!) 2025 series.
Yandy shared his journey in the film industry, emphasizing his approach to creating works that are rooted in stories rather than simply following market trends. Through this process, he learned the importance of recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses, as well as understanding the types of stories one truly wants to tell.
“The market is dynamic, and there is nothing wrong with following it. However, if it is not something we are genuinely interested in or capable of, it usually will not last long. The market can easily sweep away creators if they do not truly know themselves,” he explained on Friday (October 31, 2025).
Yandy further emphasized that trend-driven works may succeed in the short term but are not sustainable. According to him, strong creative works possess three key elements: depth of thought, skill, and empathy for humanity.
“The root of film is story. As creators, it is important to prioritize the audience. People come to the cinema not merely to see attractive visuals, but to experience stories that are relevant to human life,” he continued.
Yandy also highlighted the importance of the creative process itself. For him, achieving goals is essential, but the way one reaches those goals is equally significant.
“There is no point in winning a project or an argument if it means losing the people who work with us. This principle is something I always carry into the filmmaking process,” he said.
He concluded by delivering a message to students to live their lives wholeheartedly. Students, he noted, should live with passion and commitment, not merely pursue passion alone. With such an attitude, potential and talent will grow naturally. He stressed that the university period is a crucial phase before social circles and opportunities become more limited. Therefore, students should make the most of their college years to learn, create, and build relationships, so that they do not lose direction after graduation.
Reportage: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
