January 24, 2026 | 03:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The French Embassy in Indonesia is making efforts to involve Indonesian filmmakers in various international film festivals. The plan is to include these filmmakers in the Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and International Fantastic Film Festival in Gerardmer.
The French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, stated that the Indonesian film industry is very dynamic, but its involvement in French festivals remains limited. He said, "There are many Indonesian filmmakers, directors, screenplay writers, actors, and producers who want to go international and develop cooperation with Europe, especially with France. Because in Europe, there is always a great interest in quality and authentic films," he said at IFI Thamrin, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Indonesian Filmmakers Participating in Film Festivals in France
Therefore, he said that it is important to build institutional bridges between the two countries and invite Indonesian filmmakers to major film festivals in France. "Of course, there is the Cannes Film Festival, and we start from there by inviting talented young Indonesian filmmakers," he said. He mentioned that they have already invited Yulia Evina, a producer who became a member of the jury at the Cinema de la Critique in Cannes. There is also Khozy Rizal through his short film Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy, which was selected at the Cannes Film Festival.
However, Penone said that France has not only Cannes, but also specialized film festivals with international audiences. Among them are Gerardmer for horror and fantasy films, Clermont-Ferrand (short films), Annecy (animation), and others. "At each of these festivals, we encourage and support Indonesian students and filmmakers to participate, so that their works are seen, and to actively act as jury members, participate in animation programs, teaching, master classes, and so on," he said.
Director Joko Anwar will participate as an Honorable Guest at the 33rd International Fantastic Film Festival in Gerardmer, which will be held from January 27 to February 1, 2026, in France. He said that film festivals in France, such as Gerardmer, prioritize the theme of locality. "Locality is an attraction in itself, but major festivals like Cannes prioritize quality in storytelling," he said. He emphasized that locality is important for the identity of the film.
Achievements of Indonesian Filmmakers
Last December in Paris, Joko attended the "Panorama Sinema Indonesia" event, the first retrospective exhibition of Indonesian cinema organized by La Cinematheque francaise in Paris. At that time, he received the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal from the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati.
According to Joko, the award recognizes the overall achievements of Indonesian filmmakers. "There are achievements outside, because the longer it takes, the more film festivals look for Indonesian films. This year alone, two films will go to Berlinale (Ghost in the Cell by Joko Anwar and Monster Pabrik Rambut by Edwin), and one to Sundance (Para Perasuk by Wregas Bhanuteja). So, Indonesian films are indeed eagerly awaited," he said.
Read: Indonesia's Joko Anwar to Be Guest of Honor at France's Gerardmer Film Festival
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