Global Registration of the International Office UIN SSC’s Intellectual Digital Series Tamyiz on FilmFreeway: A Milestone in International Recognition and Intellectual Creativity
Cirebon, January 20th, 2025 — UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC), through the dedication and innovation of its International Office and Partnership, has taken a major leap into the global stage with the official international registration of its original digital series Tamyiz on FilmFreeway—a widely respected platform for international film, media, and storytelling submissions. This step not only symbolizes creative achievement but also marks a strategic advancement in positioning UIN SSC as a center for intellectual, intercultural, and pedagogical excellence. The project reflects the capacity of Islamic higher education institutions to engage in global dialogues using digital media as a tool for expression, education, and identity-building.
The digital series Tamyiz, which consists of 41 episodes, was conceived and developed by one of the key members of the International Office team, Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir as a part of the Ramadhan Excellence program, yet it transcends seasonal relevance by embedding themes of emotional literacy, ethical reflection, pedagogy, and multicultural understanding. Its content integrates theories of Reading for Emotions by Ania Lian, Reading for Aesthetics by V.S Ramachandran and promotes critical thinking while narrating a series of interconnected stories centered around identity, intellectual struggle, and intercultural growth. The registration of Tamyiz on FilmFreeway marks it not merely as a student project, but as a globally recognized intellectual production that contributes to the academic and artistic landscape on an international level.
This significant milestone was celebrated during Day 1 of the Global E-Scholars Initiative (GeSI), where the opening ceremony was attended by esteemed guests and academic collaborators. Lala Bumela, Ph.D., as Director of the International Office and Partnership, delivered a passionate keynote highlighting how Tamyiz reflects the university’s broader vision for global academic relevance. Distinguished international figures such as Prof. Dr. Rudolf Wirawan from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and Mr. Ivan Chabibilah, S.S., M.Li. from the International Cultural Communication Center Malaysia (ICCCM) also shared their insights on the project’s broader impact and its exemplary role in intercultural education.
Lala Bumela, Ph.D., emphasized in his address, “Tamyiz is not just a media product — it is a profound intellectual message, told through visuals and emotions. It is a story about the search for meaning, truth, and identity in a diverse, interconnected world. When we submitted this series to FilmFreeway, we were not only aiming to showcase student creativity, but to introduce the essence of Indonesian Islamic higher education to global audiences. This is what our International Office stands for: turning internal potential into external impact.”
A particularly outstanding aspect of Tamyiz is the active involvement of international students from countries such as Sudan, Thailand, and the Philippines, who did not only serve as cast members but also contributed ideas, language, and cultural perspectives into the storyline. This collaborative approach provided them with experiential learning opportunities and allowed them to act as cultural ambassadors. Their participation helped redefine the role of international students beyond the classroom—as co-creators of academic and cultural content, shaping messages that resonate across cultures.
Prof. Dr. Rudolf Wirawan, in his remarks, praised the intellectual spirit behind the project: “What UIN SSC has done here is remarkable. You’re not just teaching content—you’re reshaping methods. You are combining media, education, faith, and reflection in a way that speaks to the soul and the mind. This project is proof that the Islamic university can be an active contributor to global knowledge, not just a recipient of it.”
Mr. Ivan Chabibilah added a cross-cultural perspective, emphasizing that Tamyiz reflects the very nature of global communication and collaboration: “This is how we begin to break barriers. Through media that embraces differences, reflects values, and tells stories that matter. Tamyiz is not only intellectually crafted; it is emotionally grounded and globally relevant.”
The registration of Tamyiz on FilmFreeway represents a transformative moment for the International Office of UIN SSC. It affirms the university’s capacity to innovate beyond traditional academic outputs by embracing storytelling as a legitimate, impactful educational format. More than a digital series, Tamyiz is a pedagogical vehicle, an emotional journey, and an intercultural bridge that showcases what students, scholars, and institutions can achieve when creativity, intellect, and internationalization converge. This moment will be remembered not only as a milestone of registration, but as the beginning of a new era in academic storytelling and global engagement from Islamic institutions. As Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership, emphasized, “This initiative reflects our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 17 on Global Partnerships. Through storytelling, intercultural collaboration, and the inclusion of international students, we are not just showcasing a film; we are building a sustainable future for inclusive and meaningful education.”
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir