RRI.CO.ID, Rotterdam - Indonesian films have made an impressive entrance with seven films participating in the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands. 

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his hope that next year Indonesia will be in the spotlight at IFFR. He highlighted the growing caliber and competitiveness of Indonesian filmmakers on the international scene, as evidenced by the presence of Indonesian films at the IFFR.

"We encourage more Indonesian filmmakers to appear on the global stage. In the future, we hope that IFFR can provide space for 'Indonesia Focus','" he said in a press statement received by RRI on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Minister Fadli has acknowledged the enormous opportunity for fostering Indonesian-Dutch film co-production partnerships thanks to the presence of Indonesian films at the IFFR. The Ministry of Culture's National Talent Management (MTN) program can help make this cooperation possible.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government expressed its appreciation for the co-creative collaboration through SAMASAMA Lab, which involves the Netherlands Film Fund (NFF), MTN, and the Indonesian Film Producers Association (APROFI).

"Indonesia has once again expressed its interest in presenting Indonesian Spotlight or Indonesian Focus at IFFR 2026. We are also opening up opportunities for collaboration as part of strengthening cultural exchange and long-term cooperation in the film industry," he said.

He thanked the IFFR for its crucial role as a worldwide forum for independent film. He drew attention to the parallels between IFFR's curatorial approach and current Indonesian cinema, which boldly explores cultural diversity.

Vanja Kaludjerčić, Festival Director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), said that they had conducted a rigorous selection process for Southeast Asian films, including Indonesian films. The films received from various competitions, ranging from narrative films to works that speak to marginalized communities.

"This year's Indonesian films also encompass popular cinema and political reflections, including large-scale musicals, romantic epics, and works that address historical trauma," she said.

Indonesia and the Netherlands plan to expand cooperation in the development of historical films. This historical film collaboration is expected to become a means of cultural diplomacy that strengthens Indonesia-Netherlands relations.

According to the official IFFR 2026 website, the following is a list of seven Indonesian films that will be screened at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

Feature Films: The Hole: 309 Days to the Bloodies Tragedy (Hanung Bramantyo), Rangga & Cinta (Riri Riza), Siapa Dia (Garin Nugroho), Sore: A Wife from the Future  (Yandy Laurens) and She Waves Saga (Badrul Munir) 

Short Films: Sola Fata (Timoteus Anggawan Kusno), Golden Island (Arief Budiman). (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)