English
Cristian Mungiu’s Palme d’Or-winning film Fjord claimed the audience award at Jakarta World Cinema, as the festival closed with the Indonesian premiere of Thai horror film Inherit, directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun. The event also celebrated Indonesian short filmmaking talent, awarding three emerging directors full funding to make their debut features.
Fjord Takes the Festival’s Top Feature Prize
Fjord opened the festival and went on to win the Jakarta World Cinema Audience Award, the event’s only competitive prize for feature films. The film’s selection both as the opening title and as the audience favourite marked a strong reception from Jakarta filmgoers.
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Festival executive director Frederica told the closing ceremony audience that more than 25,000 people attended screenings at CGV Grand Indonesia during the festival’s eight days. The strong turnout reflected growing public interest in world cinema across Indonesia.
Indonesian Short Filmmakers Receive Feature Funding
The closing ceremony also announced the winners of the KlikFilm Short Movie Competition. KlikFilm is the Indonesian streaming platform that supports the festival. The competition accepted submissions from April to July and attracted more than 300 short films from across Indonesia.
A jury of three industry figures evaluated the entries. Horror director Joko Anwar, known for Impetigore, joined writer-director Gina S. Noer of Two Blue Stripes and filmmaker Khozy Rizal, whose short Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy competed at Cannes.
Jusuf Witjaksono’s Karim took the top prize. As a result, Witjaksono receives full production and distribution funding from Falcon Pictures for his first feature film. Adam Hasyim Al Raschid’s Air Pangea finished as first runner-up, while Ali Yafie Muzaki’s The Grave of Dreams placed second. Both directors also receive full debut feature funding, in their case from KlikFilm.
Additionally, Zaky Alfawwaz’s Callsh#t won the short film audience award. Michael Juan Saptayada’s OTW earned the Special Jury Prize.
Inherit Closes the Festival with a Lively Premiere
Director Pisanthanakun and star Davika Hoorne attended the closing night screening of Inherit for a Q&A with the audience. During the session, Pisanthanakun revealed that Hoorne’s on-screen wardrobe carried a significant price tag. He noted that one Gucci dress alone cost THB3 million, equivalent to approximately $89,500.
Before the screening began, the festival team took to the stage to thank audiences for their support throughout the event. Jakarta World Cinema 2026 concluded with a clear commitment to both international cinema and the development of local Indonesian filmmaking talent.
