Indonesia, Saudi Arabia Bolster Film Cooperation at Cannes

RRI.CO.ID, Cannes - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, attended a series of events at the Cannes Film Festival in France, including a meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission representative and Red Sea Program Director Abdullah Alayaf. The meeting marked a new step in strengthening cultural and film cooperation between the two countries.

During the discussion, Fadli Zon, expressed appreciation for the growing cultural ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. He said the meeting followed earlier talks in Jakarta with His Highness Badr bin Abdullah Al Saud.

“As the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia sees shared aspirations with Saudi Arabia in transforming cultural, demographic, and creative potential into a major force in the global film and audiovisual industry,” Fadli said. He added that film and storytelling can build more diverse and humane narratives for global audiences.

The minister also highlighted the strong historical connection between both nations. According to him, many Indonesian national figures performed the Hajj pilgrimage and returned home to become heroes of the nation.

Indonesia views the film industry as a strategic instrument for cultural diplomacy and stronger international relations. Fadli said Indonesia is open to wider cooperation in talent exchange, co-production, festival collaboration, film funding, and capacity building.

Abdullah Alayaf, welcomed the proposals and expressed interest in deepening bilateral cooperation in cinema. He also said he hopes to see more Indonesian films screened in Saudi Arabian theaters.

Fadli further encouraged stronger ties between the Red Sea International Film Festival and Indonesian platforms such as Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival and Jakarta Film Week. He said cooperation among film platforms could create wider opportunities for filmmakers from Asia and the Middle East.

Indonesia is also focusing on strengthening its domestic film ecosystem through talent development, regional filmmaker training, and international participation. The ministry said Indonesia’s presence at Cannes 2026 is expected to expand access for local filmmakers to global networks and raise the visibility of Indonesian creative talent worldwide.