RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian director Kamila Andini has once again carved out a prestigious milestone on the international film stage. She was honored in the Women in Cinema Spotlight program, hosted by the Red Sea Film Foundation during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in France.

Kamila is the sole Asian filmmaker included in this year's honoree list. This achievement also marks her status as the first-ever Southeast Asian filmmaker selected for the Women in Cinema Spotlight program.

The Women in Cinema program is an annual initiative by the Red Sea Film Foundation, dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of female filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia within the global film industry.

This year, Kamila is among six female filmmakers placed under the spotlight. She shares the honor alongside several prominent international names, including Laïla Marrakchi, Genevieve Nnaji, Tara Sutaria, Aixa Kay, and Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo.

The Red Sea Film Foundation lauded Andini as a director and writer who consistently delivers narratives centered on women, family, and cultural identity. They also highlighted her feature directorial debut, The Mirror Never Lies, which showcased her distinct interest in human relationships and the environment.

Andini’s name has long been a staple on the international festival circuit. Her acclaimed works, such as Yuni, Before, Now & Then, and The Seen and Unseen, have successfully garnered widespread acclaim at various global festivals.

Notably, Yuni won the Platform Prize at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, while Before, Now & Then earned actress Laura Basuki the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance at the 2022 Berlin International Film Festival.

At this year's Cannes, Andini also presented her latest film project, titled Empat Musim Pertiwi (Four Pertiwi Seasons in Java). This international co-production involves eight countries and is produced by Ifa Isfansyah under Forka Films.

The film stars Putri Marino, Arya Saloka, and Christine Hakim. The narrative explores themes of womanhood, loss, and life transitions, utilizing Andini’s signature poetic approach deeply rooted in local culture.

Andini's success at the Cannes 2026 Women in Cinema event is widely viewed as a symbol of the growing global recognition for Indonesian and Southeast Asian cinema. Her presence is also seen as a catalyst that opens wider avenues for Indonesian female filmmakers to bring their works to the global stage.

In addition to Kamila, Indonesian actress Raline Shah attended the event as an official guest of the Red Sea Film Foundation. According to Shah, the achievements of Indonesian female filmmakers are increasingly gaining well-deserved recognition within the global film industry.

This year’s Women in Cinema Gala was also attended by an array of global cinematic figures, including Demi Moore, Diane Kruger, Rami Malek, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao. (Annaila Azzahra/EN)