Deddy Mizwar Hopes Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Develops International Film Festival

Deddy Mizwar. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - National film leaders as well as Chairman of the Indonesian Film Company Association (PPFI) Deddy Mizwar expects the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop an international film festival, not just an event one chance.

He said in a press statement at the "Arts Lumiere Indonesia Festival (ALIF): Muslim World Movie Screening 2025" which will be held in Jakarta on September 19-21.

Deddy said that as a film member, he hopes that an international event like this should be developed, not just once.

"This is a new perspective in the country, how is our window for Indonesians to see the film industry of Islamic countries in the world," he said in a press statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, September 16.

"I think this is very important, and later talks can also be carried out that lead to cooperation, both in the production and marketing sector," he added.

Deddy assessed that Indonesia is a big market, of course Islamic countries want their films to enter the market. On the other hand, this is also an opportunity for Indonesian films to explore markets abroad, in world Islamic countries.

"This is a very good opportunity that must be developed," he said.

Highlighting the existence of short films, Deddy hopes that later this activity can be held in other cities, not only in Jakarta, where many kine of student clubs in various universities from various active regions with short films.

"Hopefully it can be (held) in the regions, not only in Jakarta," hoped Deddy.

It is known that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia will hold an "Arts Lumiere Indonesia Festival: Muslim World Movie Screening 2025" on 19 21 September 2025 in Jakarta. This festival is the first initiative in cinema-based cultural diplomacy, which presents film works from the Member State of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OKI).

With the theme 'Stories of Peace', this festival is a stage for filmmakers of OIC Member States to present narratives depicting a peaceful, moderate, and diversity Islamic face. Through the power of cinema, the public is invited to dive into Muslim life from various cultural, language, and history backgrounds rooted in the universal values of Islam.

Arts Lumiere Indonesia Festival: Muslim World Movie Screening is specifically also intended to make cinema a bridge for friendship and culture, as well as a medium for conveying peace and humanity messages for the global world. This festival is a common ground for film lovers, artists, and the wider community to inspire each other and strengthen the spirit of togetherness through film diplomacy.

The festival will take place at four strategic points in Jakarta, namely XXI Djakarta Theater, Jakarta State University (UNJ), National Gallery, and Jakarta Art Building (GKJ).

A total of 45 feature films and short films from 16 OIC Member Countries including Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and also including Indonesia, will be shown. The genres presented include: Documentary, Drama, Social Drama, and Fiction.

In addition to screening films, a film discussion will be held with filmmakers and academics on September 20, 2025 at the XXI Djakarta Theater and on September 20-21, 2025 at the State University of Jakarta. This festival is free and open to the public.