Welcoming The Indonesian Film Delegation, Minister Fadli Zon: Indonesian Participation At The International Festival To Strengthen The National Film Ecosystem

JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, today welcomed the return of the Indonesian film delegation who had successfully participated in the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), which took place on January 30, February 9, 2025 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In his statement, Minister Fadli Zon expressed his appreciation for the achievements of Indonesian filmmakers who succeeded in in introducing national cinemas in the international arena.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, I congratulate the Indonesian filmmakers who have returned from the 2025 Rotterdam Festival International Film. Their success at this festival is a matter of pride for Indonesian cinema and shows that our cinema is increasingly recognized on the international stage," said Fadli Zon.

The participation of Indonesian filmmakers in the IFFR this year was supported by the Directorate General of Development, Utilization, and Culture Development (PPPK), Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Several films and filmmakers who received recognition in this festival include: Four Seasons in Java (sudidra: Kamila Andini) which won the VIPO Award; Midnight in Bali (director: Razka Robby Ertanto); Gowok Kamasutra Java (director: Hanung Bramantyo); This City is a Battlefield/City War (sudiradara: Mouly Surya); Whisperers in the Dabbas(sudiradara: Garin Nugroho); and Sehaviously (director: Upi). In addition, there are also Bachtiar films produced by the Lenteng Forum and Collective Film Milisidies, which are selected in the Cinema Regained Program.

The VIPO Award victory by the Four Seasons in Java is a proud achievement. This award was awarded by the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), a recognition of high-quality films at the international level and a contribution to the diversity of world cinemas.

The support of the Ministry of Culture for Indonesian Film at the Menbud World Festival emphasized that the sustainability of support for Indonesia's participation manifested internationally is crucial to strengthen the national film ecosystem.

"The Ministry of Culture will continue to support Indonesian filmmakers to compete in the realization of world film. Their participation in international events is not only proud, but also opens wider opportunities for collaboration, distribution, and introduces the diversity of Indonesian cinemas to the global market," explained the Minister of Education and Culture. Responding to the statement of the Minister of Culture, one of Indonesia's delegates at the 2025 IFFR, actor and producer Reza Rahadian, expressed his appreciation for the government's support in participating in the Indonesian filmmakers this year.

"I am very grateful to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia for facilitating the departure of the Indonesian delegation through travel grants and various other supports. This is a very important step in strengthening the involvement of Indonesian filmmakers in the international arena. The government's presence in providing facilities for delegates and filmmakers is a tangible form of commitment to the progress of national cinema, and we really appreciate this," said Reza.

He also added that film is one of the most effective forms of cultural diplomacy to introduce Indonesia to the world, not only through the story raised, but also through the perspectives and diversity displayed in each work.

Through the screening of films at a festival, we are building a network. If many people watch the film, so it is very possible that our film will be invited to another festival. This is the importance of participating in an international film festival, and we need to convey this to the public." he concluded.

After being successful at the IFFR, the Indonesian film delegation will also participate in the Berlin International Film Festival (13-23 February 2025), where the Indonesian delegation, apart from being facilitated by the Ministry of Culture, also received sponsorship support from Wondr BNI.

The short films participating in Berlin include: Little Rebels Cinema Club (director: Khozy Rizal); Sammi, Who Can't Defend His Body (director: Rein Maychelsen); and the documentary Me, My Mom's Favorite Daughter (director: Ivoni Kani). Director Khozy Rizal was also selected in the Berlinale Talents program on this occasion.

In addition, the Indonesian film delegation will also show off at Hong Kong Film Mart (11-14 March 2025). The Ministry of Culture synergizes with Telkom Metra Media Hub to open Indonesian Pavilion, which will accommodate 12 Indonesian film companies to market their content in the international film industry. Several exhibitors participating include Jakarta Film Week, Kawan Media, Adhya Pictures, Visinema, Telkomsel Maxstream, MNC, MVP, Images of Motion, Metamora, Picklock, MD Entertainment, and Mandela Films.

Sustainable Commitment to National Film of the Ministry of Culture is committed to continuing to optimize programs that can facilitate Indonesian delegates on the world stage.

"On this occasion, I invite all of us to jointly strengthen strategic and collaborative steps in advancing the Indonesian film ecosystem. The Ministry of Culture is committed to ensuring that filmmakers and the national film industry have wider access at the global level," concluded Fadli Zon.