May 2, 2025 — The English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Adab and Humanities, UIN Alauddin Makassar, proudly hosted the third installment of its Lecture Series under the theme “The Power of Narrative: Why Stories Matter.” The event featured acclaimed Indonesian director Makbul Mubaraq as the guest lecturer and was held virtually via Zoom at 3:00 PM WITA.

Makbul Mubaraq rose to prominence with his debut feature film Autobiography (2022), which has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards both nationally and internationally. In addition to his career as a filmmaker and screenwriter, he is also a respected critic and university lecturer, making him a leading voice in contemporary Indonesian cinema and narrative discourse.

In his lecture, Makbul explored the significance of storytelling in shaping identities, expressing ideas, and fostering empathy. He emphasized how narratives transcend cultural and temporal boundaries and serve as powerful tools for social reflection. His insights invited participants to view stories not merely as entertainment, but as essential elements of human experience.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from students, lecturers, and members of the general public. Lecture Series III is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to bridging academic inquiry with the creative industries and promoting critical engagement with narrative forms.