Jakarta World Cinema 2025 Showcases Global Stories, Local Strength

KBRN, Jakarta: The power of storytelling in cinema can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. This message was emphasized by Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon at the Jakarta World Cinema (JWC) 2025 Film Festival, which runs online via KlikFilm from September 4 to October 4, and in person at CGV Grand Indonesia from September 27 to October 4, 2025.

Jakarta World Cinema is an international film festival that celebrates global cinematic excellence while serving as a meeting point for filmmakers, communities, and film enthusiasts.

With a diverse selection of films, the festival provides a platform for both established directors and emerging voices to showcase their work and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Minister Fadli Zon described JWC 2025 not only as a space for artistic recognition but also as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.

“Jakarta World Cinema promotes cross-cultural creativity through discussion programs, masterclasses, and competitions. It plays a vital role in cultivating a sustainable and inclusive film ecosystem,” he said in a press release received by RRI on Monday, October 6, 2025.

He noted that Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, has evolved into a hub for global film marathons, featuring a wide range of genres, including drama, horror, documentary, and imaginative animation. “Between September 27 and October 4, CGV Grand Indonesia has hosted a series of world cinema screenings. JWC 2025 brings together diverse films, perspectives, and international narratives in a single forum,” he added.

Fadli also highlighted the rapid growth of Indonesia’s film industry, which has achieved remarkable milestones. By September 2025, more than 200 films released in 2024 had drawn a combined audience of 81 million. “Local films now dominate 70 percent of the national box office,” he said, expressing hope that festivals like JWC will further elevate Indonesian cinema on the global stage.

JWC Executive Director Frederica expressed gratitude for the success of this year’s festival, which attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers. She believes the turnout reflects cinema’s power to unite people through imagination and storytelling.

“This figure is more than a statistic. It’s proof that diverse stories and creative vision can bring us together. Cinema is not just entertainment. It’s a space for encounters between generations, cultures, and ideas,” she said.

She also extended appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, the Film Censorship Board, filmmakers, judges, partners, sponsors, media, and audiences. Encouraging young filmmakers, she urged them to keep creating and telling stories without fear of being different.

As part of its commitment to cultural development, the Ministry of Culture continues to strengthen the film industry through strategic initiatives, including film labs, writing workshops, joint funding schemes, and support for cross-border productions. (Misni Parjiati/Ed. Lasti Martina)