Three Indonesian Films Passed The Initial Selection Of Oscar 2026,

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon (photo: dock. kemenbud)

Jakarta - Three films by Indonesian filmmakers have penetrated the initial selection of the 2026 Academy Awards (Oscar). The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia expressed full support for this achievement which is considered to prove the competitiveness of national cinemas on the world stage.

The three films are Sore which represents Indonesia for the Best International Feature Film category, as well as two short films, Nick Hartanto's Daly City and Khozy Rizal's Little Rebels Cinema Club, which are in the screening room stage for the Best Live Action Short Film category.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon called this achievement an important momentum for the revival of Indonesian cinema.

This is an extraordinary achievement that reflects the strength of the narrative and creativity of Indonesian filmmakers. Film is a living cultural expression. When works such as Sore, Daly City, and Little Rebels Cinema Club get a place at the Oscars, it's not just cinema achievements, but also recognition of the nation's narration wealth," Fadli said in a written statement received Friday, November 7.

Fadli emphasized the government's commitment to continue to support filmmakers so that Indonesian stories reach the world. "We will continue to be here to strengthen the national film ecosystem," he added.

The film Sore tells the story of cross-generational relations in urban families with an intimate cinematic style. Daly City explored the identity of the Indonesian diaspora abroad, while Little Rebels Cinema Club photographed the spirit of children's rebellion towards social norms.

Director of Daly City, Nick Hartanto, called this achievement a great honor. "This film was born from the experience of diaspora and identity search. I hope this opens the way for more Indonesian stories abroad," he said.

Meanwhile, Khozy Rizal, director of Little Rebels Cinema Club, expressed his appreciation for the government's support. "This short film is a love letter for cinema and its connection with humans. I am grateful for the support of the Ministry of Culture for facilitating the journey of this film to international festivals," he said.

Afternoon producer Suryana Paramita said the film grew from the personal experience of the creators. "We believe, when the story is spoken honestly, he will find his way," he said.

Director General of Development, Utilization, and Culture Development, Ahmad Mahendra, emphasized that the achievement of three Indonesian films at Oscars is proof that the work of the nation's children is able to compete globally.

"We continue to strengthen the film ecosystem and invite the public to support our filmmakers. This is not just an award, but an acknowledgment of Indonesia's voice on the world stage," he said.

The Ministry of Culture has also prepared concrete support in the form of international promotion and distribution, facilitation of the presence of the production team in a series of film screenings, and cross-institutional collaboration to strengthen the position of Indonesian films in the global market.

Fadli Zon closed by emphasizing that film is a means of cultural diplomacy.

The presence of Indonesian films on the world stage is a form of cultural diplomacy that introduces the identity of the nation. We will continue to build a film ecosystem rooted in Indonesian culture," he concluded.