RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has formally lauded the launch of Next Step Studio Indonesia, a global cinematic collaboration program aimed at propelling young Indonesian directors onto the world stage. Part of The Factory international ecosystem, which has fostered emerging filmmakers since 2013, the program is set to culminate in a high-profile showcase at Critics' Week 2026 during the Cannes Film Festival.

Director of Film, Music, and Media at the Ministry of Culture, Irini Dewi Wanti, highlighted the program as a landmark synergy between the Jakarta Provincial Administration, the French Embassy, and the Institut Français Indonesia (IFI).

“Through Next Step Studio Indonesia, four young Indonesian directors are involved in cross-country projects. Among them are Reza Rahadian, Khozy Rizal, and Reza Fahriyansyah, who will collaborate with international filmmakers,” Irini said during a press conference at IFI Jakarta on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The initiative is strategically designed to do more than just produce films, it serves as a robust tool for cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and France. Irini noted that this step aligns with the spirit of the Borobudur Declaration, which advocates for cross-border cultural cooperation and positions Indonesia as a dynamic force in the global cinema ecosystem.

"This initiative not only opens up opportunities for young Indonesian talent to penetrate global industry networks but also strengthens cultural diplomacy," Irini added, emphasizing that the program proves national film quality can resonate on a universal level.

Chairman of the Indonesian Film Board (BPI), Fauzan Zidni, remarked that the inclusion of Indonesian works at Cannes is a confirmation of the country's growing creative maturity. He argued that the presence of these filmmakers at such a prestigious venue is not merely about representation but about global validation.

“This presence is not just representation, but a confirmation that the work of the nation's children has surpassed geographical boundaries," Fauzan explained.

He further described Cannes as a strategic hub where the best artistic works meet the world’s largest market opportunities, opening doors for long-term international collaborations.

The collaboration will result in a series of short films scheduled for their world premieres at the 2026 Cannes Critics' Week. By pairing Indonesian talents like the versatile Reza Rahadian and the acclaimed Khozy Rizal with international filmmakers, the program ensures that Indonesian storytelling is integrated into the global industrial network from the production phase onward. (Naura Sofia/Bambang MBKA)