“Indonesia once again reaffirms its place on the Asian and global film map through significant participation in BIFF 2025,” Fadli said in a statement from Jakarta on Sunday.
He noted that Indonesia is not merely attending but contributing to the festival’s main programs, industry forums, and international collaborations. Through initiatives such as the National Talent Management (MTN) for Arts and Culture, the ministry aims to give Indonesian filmmakers broader international exposure.
“Indonesia’s participation in BIFF 2025 is a tangible acknowledgment of our cinema by the global community. The presence of our filmmakers on the world stage shows that Indonesian works can compete in quality,” he said.
Six Indonesian films are featured this year, including Esok Tanpa Ibu (Mothernet) by Ho Wi Dong, Pangku (On Your Lap) by Reza Rahadian, Rangga & Cinta by Riri Riza, Sekat-Sekat (Throughout These Cages) by Aaron Pratama, The Fox King by Woo Ming Jin (an Indonesia–Malaysia collaboration), and Badarawuhi di Desa Penari. Four are having their world premieres in Busan.
Global confidence in Indonesian cinema is also evident in key roles at BIFF. Producer Yulia Evina Bhara serves as a competition jury member and panelist for “Cinematic Connections: Secrets of Successful Asia–Europe Co-Productions.”
Indonesian professionals joined Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) discussions, including Mia Santosa (Visinema), Sigit Prabowo (Cinepoint), FX Iwan (Jagartha), Linda Gozali (JAFF Market), and Gugi Gumilang (Hot Docs).
A special session, “TRUE STORIES of INDONESIA: From Local Roots to Global,” presented a local IP-based project with Nugroho Dewanto, Wahyu Dhyatmika, and Lyza Anggraheni, moderated by Ismail Basbeth.
The next generation was represented by Vincent Avelio Sentosa, Nona Ica, and Bela Nabila in the Platform Busan program. In the documentary section, Oma by Armin Septiexan and Sandan Love Garden by Luthfi Muhammad were showcased in the Documentary WIP Showcase.
Momentum grew further with a cooperation agreement between Cinepoint and JAFF Market to expand film distribution across Southeast Asia.
Indonesia’s broad involvement at BIFF 2025 reaffirms its strategic position as a dynamic, collaborative hub for Asia’s film industry growth.
The Busan International Film Festival, launched in 1996, is one of Asia’s premier showcases for new films and first-time directors.
Related news: Govt encourages emergence of filmmakers from Islamic boarding schools
Related news: Culture Minister urges santri to explore AI in films
Translator: Adimas Raditya Fahky P, Primayanti
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
