A Journey Back: Madani Film Festival Shows a Life Changed by Extremism

Depok, October 4, 2024 – The Madani Film Festival 2024 featured a rare glimpse into a world many only see on the news, as it screened ‘Road to Resilience’, directed by Dr. Noor Huda Ismail. The movie tells the story of Febri Ramdani—a young man who joined ISIS in Syria, and then made the tough journey back to Indonesia. 

The screening, held at the Theatre Room Faculty A of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), was followed by an engaging discussion led by UIII’s lecturer, Dr. Haula Noor. In a special turn, Febri himself showed up at the event and further shared his story, making the discussion even more lively and enriching. 

The theme of the discussion, “The Dark Side of Extremism Behind the Glimpse of the Virtual World,” explored how family struggles, loneliness, and a search for belonging can make people like Febri more open to extremist groups.  

In making sense of the phenomena, Dr. Haula Noor shared insights from her research, explaining how growing up in a difficult home can push young people toward radical paths. “When a family isn’t a safe and supportive place, young people look for meaning and stability somewhere else,” she explained. 

Additionally, Dr. Haula Noor highlighted the idea of "fidelity"—the need to be loyal to someone or something bigger than oneself. For people like Febri, who lack strong family ties or purpose, violent groups can seem to offer just that: certainty, answers, and a feeling of belonging. “Violent extremism gives quick, clear answers to tough questions, and for many young people, that’s very attractive,” she explained. 

Confirming Dr. Haula Noor’s explanation, Febri with his raw honesty, opened up about feeling lost and rejected as a young man, leading him to leave for Syria. “I was lost knowing that my mother left me for Syria without even saying goodbye. I then decided to follow her steps,” he said. Now after his and her mother’s repatriation, both of them faced the hard road of building a new life, labeled an “Indonesian citizen, former ISIS supporter.”  

Dr. Noor Huda Ismail, the filmmaker, explained that the idea behind the movie is not to seek who the devils are but rather to unveil the stories for better understanding, which he claimed is a necessary step toward healing and reintegration. “As both an academic and filmmaker, I see this as my contribution to the discourse, by shaping public perception, generating empathy, and offering a platform for this compact and often misunderstood narrative to be heard,” he said. 

Through Febri’s journey, the film and discussion reminded everyone of the importance of family, support, and a sense of purpose in keeping young people on the right path. At Madani Film Festival, this glimpse into Febri’s life sparked meaningful conversations, giving hope that understanding these struggles can help prevent more people from facing the same journey. 

The Madani Film Festival is an annual international event showcasing films that portray the lives of Muslims across different regions worldwide, highlighting communities where Muslims are either a majority or a minority. This year's festival centers on the theme “Marwah,” meaning “Dignity,” and collaborates with various institutions, including the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIII.

The Madani International Film Festival 2024 concluded on October 6, after four days of showcasing films under the theme "Marwah." In its seventh year, the festival brought attention to the struggles of the people in Palestine and Sudan, focusing on the impact of ongoing conflicts and war in these regions.

Director Putut Widjanarko highlighted the festival’s dedication to raising awareness about the challenges of oppression and colonization faced by both nations, including the refugee crisis, economic instability, and the breakdown of critical health and welfare systems. The event served as a platform for powerful stories and a call for global solidarity.

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