"Hopefully, this festival will continue to grow and become a platform not only to present Indonesian culture to the world but also to foster inclusive and proud creative expression," said the minister during a media briefing on the final day of Balinale 2025 in Denpasar, Bali, on Saturday.
According to the Ministry’s official statement released here on Sunday, Minister Fadli Zon praised the consistency and quality of Balinale, which has now reached its 18th edition.
"This is a remarkable achievement. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to maintaining the quality and sustainability of this festival for nearly two decades," he said.
First held in 2007, Balinale is an annual film festival that features independent fiction films, documentaries, feature films, and short films representing stories from Indonesia and across the globe.
Balinale 2025, which began on June 1, features over 70 films from 32 countries, including 23 from Indonesia. Supported by both the central and provincial governments, the festival also hosts several film forums that promote cultural exchange and international collaboration.
The minister emphasized that the government supports initiatives that open doors for international cooperation in the film sector and boost the growth of Indonesia’s film industry.
"For example, at the recent Indonesia Cinema Night, nearly all stakeholders were present -- from directors and producers to supporting industry professionals. They engaged in networking and explored opportunities for collaboration, including cross-border co-productions," he explained.
He further stressed the government's commitment to building a healthy, sustainable film ecosystem that reflects and promotes the nation’s cultural values.
During the same event, director Andi Bachtiar Yusuf expressed his hope for greater government involvement in supporting national films.
"For instance, through regulations on screening quotas for local films. With clear policies, we can create a fair and supportive space for Indonesian films to grow, compete, and stand out," he said.
Balinale is recognized as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. This recognition has significantly enhanced the festival’s reputation and influence in the global film community.
Balinale founder Deborah Gabinetti noted that the Oscar qualification boosts the festival’s visibility and strengthens its mission to showcase diverse stories from Indonesia and beyond.
“The festival provides a valuable platform for filmmakers to gain international recognition, discover new opportunities, and reach broader audiences,” she said.
The winners of Balinale 2025 are Eros Zhao's "AMAL/Hope" in the short documentary category, "The Boy with White Skin" from France in the short narrative film category, and "Retirement Plan" from Ireland in the short animated film category.
Other winners were "Champions of the Golden Valley" from United States for feature documentary category and "Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo" by Khaled Mansour for feature narrative film category.
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Translator: Abdu Faisal, Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
