Endang Mulyani, Jakarta – Indonesia and Australia are using a joint film festival to deepen cultural diplomacy and expand creative industry ties, officials said Wednesday, as both countries look to strengthen collaboration beyond traditional economic sectors.
Over the past 11 years, the Australia-Indonesia Film Festival (FSAI) has grown into a platform for cross-border collaboration, connecting filmmakers and creative talent from both countries while supporting the development of the creative economy. The festival has evolved beyond film screenings, serving as a space to introduce and connect the cultures of Indonesia and Australia.
Deputy Minister for Creative Economy Irene Umar said the festival allows Indonesians to better understand Australia without having to travel abroad.
"Through FSAI, people can get to know Australian culture more closely and connect with one another. We hope this can foster mutual appreciation and lead to stronger collaboration between the two countries," she said on Wednesday.
Echoing the sentiment, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier said the festival has become a strong platform for creative exchange.
"FSAI has developed into a platform where Australian and Indonesian creatives can collaborate and grow together," he said.
This year marks the debut of "Screen on the Green," an outdoor film screening experience at the Bogor Botanical Gardens, offering audiences a new way to enjoy films in an open-air setting.
FSAI 2026 will run from May 8 to 23 across 11 cities – Jakarta, Manado, Makassar, Semarang, Medan, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Bogor, Yogyakarta, Kupang and Mataram – featuring five Australian films and two Indonesian titles by Australia Awards alumni. The program will also include four Indonesian short films produced by alumni.
The festival highlights the role of alumni in sustaining cross-border collaboration. The Indonesian family film "Jumbo," directed by Chris Lie, an Australia alumnus, is among the featured works.
It will also showcase short films by Australia Awards participants who previously underwent film production training in Australia, demonstrating how cross-cultural education can translate into tangible creative output.
"Through these works, we can see how education and international experience contribute to the emergence of new creative ideas," Brazier said.
Australia's commitment to capacity building will continue through the Australia Awards program, which, in collaboration with Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry, will send selected participants to Australia for training in intellectual property in the animation sector.
"This initiative is aimed at ensuring Indonesia's creative industry can grow with the knowledge needed to compete in the global creative economy," he added.
In addition to screenings, the festival will host a series of masterclasses on cinematography and documentary filmmaking, led by Australian professionals including Andrew Commis, known for The Dry 2, and Michelle Johnston.