About

A night-time overhead photographic view of an illuminated festival courtyard in Kota Lama Semarang, designed to represent the international scope of Festival Kota Lama. Neatly arranged clusters of minimalist information kiosks and abstract sculpture-like installations suggest different countries and cultures without flags or text. Stylized icons etched on panels subtly allude to bilingual content. Warm string lights crisscross above, casting soft pools of light on patterned stone paving and the facades of vintage buildings. Colored uplights bathe columns and arches in subtle reds, blues, and greens. The composition uses a bird’s-eye perspective with sharp detail, creating a vibrant yet orderly atmosphere that feels global, welcoming, and highly professional, without any visible people.

About FKL

Discover the story, vision, and international collaboration behind Festival Kota Lama Semarang.

About

Festival Kota Lama Semarang celebrates Semarang’s historic Old Town through a curated programme of Indonesian and international performances, fostering cultural exchange, professional networking, and new work. Explore the evolving programme on our schedule page.

View schedule

Festival Team

A serene early-morning photographic scene inside a temporary festival conference space adapted from a Kota Lama warehouse. Long, slender tables are neatly arranged with blank notepads, pens, and sleek translation headsets at each seat, implying bilingual industry sessions without any people present. At the front, two minimalist lecterns stand before a clean projection screen showing an abstract gradient design. Exposed brick walls, steel beams, and large arched windows referencing the historic district create character. Cool natural light filters through the windows, mixing with soft, warm overhead lighting to create a balanced, professional ambiance. Shot from a slightly elevated angle with sharp focus, the composition conveys readiness for international agents, media, and delegates.

Aarav Sharma

A close-up, photographic shot of an outdoor main stage in Kota Lama Semarang, captured before the audience arrives. The sturdy truss frame supports high-end speakers, spotlights, and LED screens displaying abstract colorful waves and graphic shapes symbolizing music and performance. Historic Kota Lama buildings with textured plaster walls and shuttered windows create a refined backdrop. Warm golden hour light grazes the architecture, highlighting peeling paint and masonry details while cool stage lights add contrast. Empty mic stands, instrument cases, and neatly coiled cables line the foreground. Taken from a low angle, the image emphasizes scale and professionalism, with a crisp, modern festival atmosphere and no people present.

Mateo García

A photographic close-up of a polished wooden festival information counter set against an old Kota Lama brick wall, where modern design meets heritage. On the counter sit neatly stacked blank brochures with dual-column graphic layouts implying bilingual content, alongside a sleek tablet displaying a colorful, abstract festival schedule grid with no readable text. A subtle lanyard and badge with geometric icons hint at international professionals and media. Soft, diffused indoor lighting spills from an unseen overhead source, creating gentle shadows and a calm, organized mood. Shot at eye level with shallow depth of field, the background architecture softly blurs, balancing historic texture with contemporary festival branding in a clean, professional style.

Zuri Ndlovu

A dramatic photographic image of a contemporary performance area set within Kota Lama’s historic streets, deliberately shown without performers or audience. On a slightly elevated platform, an arrangement of varied instruments—drum kit, keyboard, acoustic guitar, and abstract sculptural props—symbolizes diverse performance disciplines. Behind them, a tall LED backdrop displays fluid, colorful patterns that transition between warm and cool tones, suggesting movement and sound. The surrounding colonial-era walls, arched windows, and vintage street lamps frame the scene. Night lighting mixes focused stage spotlights with subtle architectural uplighting, creating crisp highlights and deep, cinematic shadows. Captured from a three-quarter angle using the rule of thirds, the mood is anticipatory and dynamic, emphasizing the festival’s professionalism and international caliber.

Leila Haddad

Hiroshi Tanaka

A moody twilight photographic scene of a side alley in Kota Lama transformed into an intimate fringe festival venue. A small raised platform hosts a single spotlighted microphone stand and an empty wooden stool, evoking spoken word or acoustic performances. Around the stage, minimalist light installations—glowing geometric shapes in varied colors—represent diverse artistic disciplines and cultures. The aged stone walls and shuttered windows around the alley catch soft purple and amber hues from concealed uplights. Fine mist from a hidden fog machine adds texture around the beams of light. Captured from a low, slightly off-center angle with moderate depth of field, the image feels creative, experimental, and distinctly urban while remaining polished and professional, with no human figures.

Amara Okafor

Soren Jensen

Nia Roberts

Testimonials

As an invited artist, I was impressed by the professional curation and vibrant Kota Lama crowds; FKL rivals established international festivals.

— Aya Nakamura

As an international presenter, I discovered outstanding Southeast Asian talent here; the compact festival format makes meetings and scouting incredibly efficient.

— Lila Patel

FKL turned Kota Lama into a living stage; every corner had music, dance, and warm, welcoming volunteers.

— Mateo García

Covering FKL was a joy—the historic setting photographs beautifully, and the program is curated with clear narratives, ideal for international media stories.

— Aya Nakamura