Minister Fadli Zon Believes Iran-Indonesia Film Festival Will Be A Creative Collaborative For The Two Countries

Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) collaborated with the Iranian Islamic Republic through its embassy in Jakarta, organizing the 2025 Iran & Indonesia Movie Week Film Festival. The organization of the film festival is part of a series of commemorations of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Iran.

The Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon in his speech said that this Festival has a very special meaning because it also commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Iran.

"This is an achievement that reflects the long-term commitment of our two countries in cooperation, mutual respect, and cultural exchange," said the Indonesian Minister of Culture.

The Minister of Education and Culture then explained to the guests present that since the 17th century, the influence of literature, philosophy, and Persian science had reached the archipelago, co-forming our art and literary traditions. Today, the cultural exchange heritage continues to develop in a new form, namely through the power of film.

"Films can be a very strong cultural diplomacy medium and allow us to share historical narratives, express identity, and build bridges and bring people closer to each other from various backgrounds," he explained.

Then the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia told the participants that the Indonesian film industry is currently also experiencing extraordinary growth. With the achievement of a record of more than 81 million Indonesian film viewers last year, the national film ecosystem continues to develop, both culturally and economically. In 2027, this industry is projected to grow by 6.13% per year and contribute 156 trillion rupiah to the national GDP.

"I believe the Iranian-Indonesian Film Festival can be an important forum for collaboration. I hope this event can encourage filmmakers from both countries to exchange, and explore new opportunities in collaboration and co-production," concluded the Minister of Culture.

In line with this, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, said that cinema has the capacity to exchange cultures.

"When Iran and Indonesia celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, I believe culture is the most humane aspect of diplomacy supported by the two countries. The potential is much greater to highlight the culture of the two countries as implementing cinema projects and joint film production," he said.

After the speech, the event continued with the handover of souvenirs, which were also attended by Lukman Sardi, Sineas; Dr. Molaei, Director of Film and Media of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization; and Dr. Naswardi, Chairman of the LSF. The form of organizing this festival is the screening of eight Iranian and Indonesian films until the end of February 2025. Films from both countries such as: In the Arms ofTree, Dolphin boy, Ibu Ora Sare, Sweet Squad and other films will be screened in various universities and schools in several cities in Indonesia, namely Yogyakarta, Palembang, Banten, Makassar, and Bandung.