JAKARTA - The success of the Indonesian documentary "Mama Jo" in winning the "Best Short Documentary" award in Sofia, Bulgaria is clear evidence that films can bridge understanding across cultures and build deep empathy between nations, said the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia in a statement through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sunday.
This follows the success of the short film by director Ineu Rahmawati, which won the prestigious award at the Golden FEMI Film Festival which was held at the Balkan Palace Hotel, Sofia, Saturday, June 7.
The award was received by the KUAI Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Sofia, Irvan Fachrizal. Through an official message at the event, Ineu expressed her deep gratitude to the festival committee, the judges, and spectators for the appreciation given to the film Mama Jo.
Ineu herself was unable to attend in person, but conveyed her warm greetings from Indonesia.
Mama Jo's film tells a touching story about Santi, a tough mother from Indonesia, and her son Johan, a 9-year-old child who lives in a cerebral society.
Through this documentary, Ineu wants to voice a reality that often escapes attention, namely the struggle and determination of families with disabilities, not only in Indonesia, but also around the world.
"This film is a reminder that inclusion, access, and dignity are universal rights that we must uphold together," said the speech receiving the award, launching a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sunday, June 8.
The Indonesian government in recent years has taken various important steps to fulfill the rights of children with disabilities, including access to education, health services, and inclusive social support.
This award also reflects the increasing international appreciation for Indonesia's cinema. In 2024, the number of national film viewers reached 68.95 million, the highest in Indonesian film history which has lasted for 98 years. As of 2025, there were 2,088 cinema screens throughout Indonesia, and 60 percent of the total audience preferred to watch local films.
More than just a box office achievement, this is a cultural movement that shows the revival of original stories and films that voice various sides of humanity.
Analysts project that the Indonesian film industry will grow by 20 percent until 2027, driven by high demand for documentaries, animations, and authentic stories, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Starting from the fictional narrative to the documentary that voiced social awareness such as Mama Jo, Indonesian filmmakers are increasingly showing their courage to voice the invisible, marginalized, and human soul strength in all its complexities," he said.
On behalf of director Mama Jo and the Indonesian film community, the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia expressed his sincere gratitude to the Golden FEMI Film Festival for this proud award, and hoped that this momentum would encourage wider collaboration between the world's creative communities.
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"The Best Short Documentary Award in Sofia is clear evidence that films can bridge cross-cultural understanding and build deep empathy between nations," said the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia.
It is known that this year's Golden FEMI Film Festival was also attended by the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, members of the jury, filmmakers, and invited guests.
The documentary film Mama Jo itself is also planned to be screened at the University of Sofia film club in the near future.
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