FSAI 2026 Strengthening Indonesia-Australia Film Collaboration

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The annual Festival Sinema Australia Indonesia (FSAI) is set to return for its 11th edition, positioning itself as a bridge for creative diplomacy and economic growth. During the festival's launch in Jakarta, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, emphasized that the event serves as a vital networking hub for filmmakers from both nations to foster long-term partnerships.

"FSAI serves as a space that brings industry players together to get to know each other and open up opportunities for collaboration," she said in a ministry press release on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

As quoted by Antara, The Creative Economy Ministry views the festival as a catalyst for transforming the creative sector into a new engine of growth for the national economy.

Beyond traditional production, the Deputy Minister noted that the film industry offers expansive economic potential through licensing and the development of derivative products. "Such cooperation opens up wider access, not only in domestic markets but also globally," she said.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Roderick Bruce Brazier echoed this sentiment, noting that the festival's decade-plus longevity reflects a deep-rooted consistency in bilateral creative ties. He remarked that FSAI has evolved into a robust platform that successfully connects Australian and Indonesian filmmakers while reaching diverse audiences across the archipelago.

Scheduled to run from May 8 to May 23, FSAI 2026 will visit 11 cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Makassar. The program features a curated selection of five Australian films and two Indonesian titles, Rangga & Cinta and JUMBO, alongside short films produced by Australia Awards alumni.

In addition to screenings, the festival will host masterclasses and capacity-building workshops aimed at knowledge exchange and expanding distribution networks for creative talent. ***