“This festival is incredible. I’m envious. It showcases the best films from the world’s leading festivals—something hard to find in my country,” Nawapol said here, Sunday.
Nawapol said he participated in the festival to present his film Human Resource, which screened five times to sold-out audiences.
Running until October 4, JWC 2025 features dozens of acclaimed international films previously shown at major festivals.
Screenings are held both in person at CGV Grand Indonesia and online via KlikFilm, allowing audiences across Indonesia to participate.
In addition to global features, JWC also premiered four original Indonesian films under the “KlikFilm Special Presentation” program. Among them is Gelap Mata, a suspense drama with action and comedy elements, directed by Aji Dewabrata.
“This is a personal story I wrote myself,” Aji said at a recent press conference. The film explores greed and chaos in an abandoned Jakarta home, with metaphorical “mice” partying in forgotten spaces. It stars Adzana Ashel, Taskya Namya, and Imelda Therinne.
Director Robby Ertanto introduced Lavender Marriage, a drama starring Lutesha and Maxime Bouttier that questions societal norms and the meaning of honesty in relationships.
The festival also featured Period of Her, a four-part omnibus by emerging female directors Sarah Adilla, Erlina Rakhmawati, Praditha Blifa, and Linda Andriyani.
“Each short film highlights women’s issues,” said Blifa.
Actress Ika Diharjo stars in Serikat Patahati, a film linking traditional Javanese dance with themes of young love.
Lastly, Mimpi Keluarga Sempurna, the debut feature from Jogja Film Academy alumni and directed by M Bagas Satrio, was unveiled.
Organizers hoped these films would help shape the future of Indonesian cinema.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon said international film festivals like Jakarta World Cinema (JWC) could inspire local filmmakers to raise their standards and strengthen the country's film ecosystem.
Fadli said exposure to globally acclaimed films can serve as a benchmark for Indonesian creators.
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Translator: Adimas RFP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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