RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: As a continuous effort to expand the reach of Indonesian short films internationally, Indonesia will participate in the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival (CFISFF) 2026, in France to promote and strengthen the position of Indonesian talent and short film works within the global ecosystem of festivals, markets, and industry networks.

Support from the Indonesian Ministry of Culture through the National Talent Management (MTN) for Arts and Culture is a strategic step in integrating Indonesian short film talent and works into the global ecosystem of short film festivals, markets, and industries.

The festival took place from January 30–February 7, 2026. The Short Film Market sub-event will be held from February 2–5, 2026. The festival is a major international short film event, featuring a competition and non-competition sections, a film market, and industry activities.

The Indonesian delegation will participate in the competition, film market, industry forums, and professional networking programs. The film curation, involving Minikino Film Week and the Bali International Short Film Festival, ensures that the works displayed represent the latest achievements in Indonesian short films.

"The Indonesian delegation's presence at the 2026 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival strengthens Indonesian short films on the global stage. Our filmmakers compete, build networks, open market access, and expand international collaboration opportunities. This participation reflects the government's commitment to supporting the national film ecosystem to become more competitive and sustainable internationally," said Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on Sunday, January 1, 2026, as quoted from the ministry's official website.

CF ISFF 2026 is considered a significant milestone because, for the first time, Southeast Asia has been designated as a regional focus. Indonesia's presence is strengthened through its collaboration with the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN). AFAN will provide a Southeast Asian booth for meetings, showcases, and networking opportunities for the Asia-Europe industry.

One of the main highlights of CF ISFF was the selection of Kawan Kawan Media's "One Tropical Rain of Love and Guilt" in the international competition. This Indonesia-Myanmar-Thailand co-production showcases the potential of cross-border collaboration in short films.

Indonesian short films were also featured in several  non-competition programs. In FOCUS: Southeast Asia, Khozy Rizal's Basri and Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy, Wregas Bhanuteja's Prenjak (In the Year of the Monkey), and Nirartha Bas Dhiwangkara's Ragadi Maparo (Where the Wild Frangipanis Grow) were selected. The BLOOD program featured Darah Ksatria (Knight of Blood), a short film directed by Widya Arafah and Arjuna Asa. Another film by Khozy Rizal, Little Rebels Cinema Club, was featured in the Market Picks program.

Indonesian talent is also present through Talent Connexion. Director Nirartha Bas Dhiwangkara was selected to present his latest short animated project, "Haunted," which opens up opportunities for international collaboration and funding.

At the Short Film Market, Indonesia presented the program "Indonesian Entourage: A Sleeping Giant," which showcased six short films reflecting on Indonesian memory, identity, and social dynamics. This program provided direct access to distributors, festival programmers, and global industry partners.

Fransiska Prihadi, Program Director of Minikino Film Week, Bali International Short Film Festival, curated the program, considering the quality of the works, which were deemed capable of representing the latest achievements of Indonesian short films. 

"The selected films have relevant selling points and are in demand by the international industry. Some of the selected short films were produced through the Layar Indonesiana 2025 program initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Culture," she explained.

This Market Screening provides access to professionals in the global short film industry. It will open opportunities for exploration on the international short film festival circuit, acquisitions, and further collaborations.

Indonesia's participation in the 2026 CFI SFF affirms short films as a strategic medium for cultural diplomacy, offering agility, collaboration, and global relevance, while paving the way for national talent to network, grow, and compete on an international stage. ***