Garin Nugroho’s Siapa Dia Wins Best Original Film in Rome

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian cinematic excellence has once again captured the international spotlight, with visionary director Garin Nugroho’s film Siapa Dia (Who Is He) securing the Best Original Film award at the 23rd Asian Film Festival (AFF) in Rome.

Held from April 7 to 15, 2026, at the historic Cinema Farnese, the festival served as a prestigious stage for Garin Nugroho’s work to be recognized for its bold creativity and genre-defying narrative. The win marks a significant milestone in Indonesia's growing cultural footprint within the European film circuit.

The jury lauded Siapa Dia as a groundbreaking production that transcends traditional boundaries, describing it as a three-generation musical that doubles as visual poetry and a poignant political essay. The film follows the journey of Layar, a film star grappling with burnout and existential disillusionment.

Garin Nugroho delivers this story through a distinctive theatrical cinematic approach, utilizing dramatic cinematography, powerful lighting, and intricate choreography that seamlessly integrates with the plot.

As reported by Antara, Indonesian Ambassador to Italy, Junimart Girsang, highlighted the evolving global perception of the nation’s film industry following the announcement.

"Indonesian cinema continues to grow and is increasingly gaining world attention. We hope these films can inspire and strengthen the Italian public's understanding of Indonesia," he said in a written release on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The embassy actively collaborated with the AFF to bridge the cultural gap, using the festival as a medium to introduce Indonesian stories to both Italian audiences and the broader international community.

The success of Siapa Dia is part of a broader showcase of Indonesian talent at this year's festival. The event also featured screenings of Midnight in Bali by Razka Robby Ertanto, Rangga dan Cinta by Riri Riza, and another of Garin Nugroho’s works, Whisper in the Dabbas.

This year’s victory continues a streak of Indonesian excellence at the AFF. In 2024, Women from Rote Island won Best Original Film, followed by a double win in 2025 for Tale of the Land (Best Original Film) and actress Laura Basuki (Best Actress) for her role in Yohanna.

The Asian Film Festival in Rome has become a vital hub for Asian cinema since its 2003 inception by the Robert Bresson Cineforum Association. This year, the festival featured 45 films from 12 countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea.

By maintaining a strong presence in such forums, the Indonesian Embassy in Rome aims to foster deeper cultural ties. This strategic involvement is also intended to unlock future collaborative opportunities between the creative industries of Indonesia and Italy. ***