January 23, 2026 | 11:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian director Joko Anwar will serve as a Guest of Honor at the 33rd International Fantastic Film Festival Gerardmer, held from January 27 to February 1, 2026, in France. The festival is one of Europe’s largest events dedicated to fantasy, horror, and thriller cinema.
During the festival, several of Anwar’s acclaimed films will be screened, including Satan’s Slaves, Impetigore, and Ritual.
“I first came to Gerardmer in 2012 for the screening of Ritual, and it remains one of my favorite festivals. The town is small and intimate, and the Q&A sessions after the screenings were inspiring, with audiences showing real appreciation for cinema,” Anwar said at IFI Thamrin in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Anwar noted that the festival reflects a French approach to cinema, where even horror films are recognized as vehicles to explore social issues.
“In France, the government and audiences understand that a horror film can talk about society. They see it as a whole, without separating ‘important’ films from the rest,” he said.
French Government Recognition
Last December in Paris, Anwar attended the “Indonesian Cinema Panorama,” the first retrospective exhibition of Indonesian cinema organized by La Cinémathèque française.
During the event, he received the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, honoring his contributions to cinema and his ongoing engagement with French audiences and institutions.
“This award is recognition from the French government for Indonesian filmmakers. It has allowed me to collaborate on French-Indonesian productions and gain insight into the French film industry, which broadens my perspective and enriches my work,” Anwar said.
French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone said Anwar’s films showcase Indonesian society through horror and fantasy.
“His films are fascinating because they convey messages about Indonesian life, from intimate psychological issues to broader political and social themes. For us, it’s very interesting to see cinema being used in this way,” he said.
Penone also noted cultural differences in genre preference: while comedy dominates in France, horror and fantasy are more popular in Indonesia. “But like comedy in France, Indonesian horror films also provide a lens to discuss both serious and light issues,” he said.
The French Embassy did not influence the selection of Anwar’s films for Gerardmer, serving only as a supporter.
“Festivals like Gerardmer are independent, and that’s the beauty of it. This year, Indonesia is honored to be featured as a Guest of Honor through Joko Anwar,” Penone said.
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