The Jakarta World Cinema Festival concluded its fourth edition with a vibrant closing ceremony held at CGV Grand Indonesia, celebrating the achievements of filmmakers in both feature and short film competitions. Notably, Joachim Trier’s film “Sentimental Value” was awarded the prestigious JWC Audience Award, determined by the votes of festival attendees.
In the feature film category, the jury recognized Pauline Loquès as Best Director for her work on “Nino,” while Cole Webley’s “Omaha” took home the award for Best Film. The KlikFilm Short Movie Competition highlighted the burgeoning talent within Indonesia’s film scene, presenting four notable awards. Sinung Winahyoko’s “Babon” secured first place, along with a funding opportunity for a future feature film. Joni Astin Ariadi’s “Darma” was named first runner-up, also receiving funding, while Ardian Parasto’s “Pembayun” earned the title of second runner-up and accompanying financial support. Additionally, Nada Leo Prakasa’s “Wahyu” won the Audience Favorite Award, along with a cash prize of IDR 50 million (approximately $3,000).
This year’s festival showcased an impressive lineup of 185 films from 66 countries, attracting an audience of 208,111 participants through both online screenings and in-person viewings in Jakarta. Fadli Zon, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, graced the closing ceremony, emphasizing the festival’s significance in enriching the Indonesian film ecosystem. He remarked, “The Jakarta World Cinema Festival serves as a vital platform for discussions and a celebration of cinema. Our film industry deserves nurturing, and its growth has been remarkably positive.” Zon expressed optimism about the opportunities JWC provides for young filmmakers to create their first feature films with funding from KlikFilm.
Executive Director Frederica described this edition as a pivotal moment for the festival, noting the enthusiastic response from the audience. “We take pride in facilitating the transition of young Indonesian filmmakers from short films to feature-length projects,” she stated. Festival Director Shandy Gasella echoed this sentiment, highlighting the extraordinary audience engagement with JWC 2025, from sold-out screenings to the buzz surrounding the short film competition. This enthusiasm indicates a growing appreciation for both global and local cinema.
Founded in 2022, the Jakarta World Cinema Festival is backed by KlikFilm and supported by CGV Cinemas, continuing to foster creativity and innovation within Indonesia’s cinematic landscape.
