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The Jakarta World Cinema festival recently concluded its fourth edition, marking a significant milestone in its history. Held at the CGV Grand Indonesia, the closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of filmmakers globally and the emerging talent in Indonesia’s film industry.
This year, the festival featured 185 films from 66 countries, drawing an impressive audience of 208,111 attendees who engaged in online screenings and in-person events.
Awards and recognitions
The festival culminated in several awards recognizing outstanding contributions to cinema.
Notably, Joachim Trier’s film, Sentimental Value, received the prestigious JWC Audience Award, determined by votes from festival attendees. This accolade underscores the film’s resonance with viewers and its impact on the audience.
In the first feature film category, the jury awarded Best Director to Pauline Loquès for her work on Nino.
The top honor for Best Film went to Cole Webley’s gripping narrative, Omaha, reflecting the festival’s commitment to recognizing exceptional storytelling.
Emerging talent in short films
The KlikFilm Short Movie Competition highlighted emerging Indonesian filmmakers and offered several awards to support their creative journeys.
Sinung Winahyoko’s Babon won first place, receiving a feature film funding grant for future projects. Joni Astin Ariadi’s Darma was recognized as the first runner-up, also earning funding support, while Ardian Parasto’s Pembayun was named second runner-up, ensuring assistance for his cinematic endeavors.
The Audience Favorite Award went to Nada Leo Prakasa’s Wahyu, which won a cash prize of IDR 50 million (approximately $3,000), showcasing the festival’s focus on audience engagement and feedback.
Significance of the festival
Fadli Zon, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, attended the closing ceremony and emphasized the festival’s importance in strengthening the Indonesian film ecosystem.
He stated, “Jakarta World Cinema is vital for the Indonesian film ecosystem, providing a space for discussions and celebrating cinema.” His remarks highlight the festival’s role in nurturing the local film industry and promoting its growth.
He expressed optimism for aspiring filmmakers, noting the support from KlikFilm, which has helped many young talents secure funding for their first feature films. Zon stressed the need for more platforms like this to enhance the Indonesian cinema landscape.
Community response and future aspirations
Executive Director Frederica described this year’s festival as a transformative moment, receiving overwhelming support from attendees. “We are especially proud to provide opportunities for young Indonesian filmmakers to transition from short films to feature-length projects,” she stated, underscoring the festival’s dedication to the next generation of storytellers.
Festival Director Shandy Gasella echoed this sentiment, noting, “The audience response to JWC 2025 has been extraordinary. From sold-out screenings to enthusiasm for the short film competition, this shows that appreciation for both world and local cinema is growing.”
This year, the festival featured 185 films from 66 countries, drawing an impressive audience of 208,111 attendees who engaged in online screenings and in-person events.0
