Revisiting the Spirit of the Nouvelle Vague at Festival Sinema Prancis 2025
The 27th edition of Festival Sinema Prancis 2025 celebrates a milestone moment in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia. Framed by the Borobudur Declaration signed during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit in May and the first Cultural Strategic Dialogue in Paris last July, this year’s festival underscores a growing commitment between both nations to strengthen cultural and creative industry partnerships.
Running from November 21 to December 2, 2025, the festival brings 20 French films to 14 Indonesian cities, from Jakarta to Ambon, through collaborations with Cinema XXI, Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI), and Alliance Française (AF). This year’s edition also features Indonesian talents: actress Marissa Anita as Festival Ambassador and director Joko Anwar as Special Guest—both representing the ongoing creative dialogue that binds the two cultures.
Highlighting new cinematic voices, the festival also screens short films from SAE Indonesia students before the opening and closing films, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. Meanwhile, the second edition of the Indonesia–France Film Lab returns at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, offering a stronger incubation program for emerging talent.
The festival opens with “13 Days 13 Nights” by Martin Bourboulon, premiering simultaneously in eight cities. Set during the fall of Kabul in 2021, the film captures an emotional rescue mission at the French Embassy. The next day, French director Gilles de Maistre presents “Moon the Panda” at IFI Thamrin, blending adventure and environmental awareness in a heartwarming story for audiences of all ages.
This year’s lineup draws from three major currents in French cinema: the Nouvelle Vague, contemporary French horror, and award-winning titles from Cannes 2025.
On November 23, the “Nouvelle Vague Afternoon” at IFI Thamrin celebrates the rebellious spirit of 1960s French cinema with a screening of Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague (a Cannes 2025 highlight), a discussion with Jakarta Cinema Club on the movement’s legacy, and a special showing of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. Across Indonesia, audiences can also revisit masterpieces like Contempt by Godard and The 400 Blows by François Truffaut.
The next day, November 24, the festival presents the Indonesian premiere of Sébastien Vaniček’s Infested (Vermines), followed by a stage discussion with Joko Anwar, exploring cultural perspectives on fear and horror.
From Cannes to Indonesia, the festival brings two celebrated titles: Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin—Cannes’ opening film—and Colors of Time by Cédric Klapisch, which will close the festival on December 2. Together, they embody the vitality and diversity of modern French cinema, from bold newcomers to master storytellers.
For more information, visit www.ifi-id.com or follow @ifi_indonesia on social media.
Also read: The Evolution of French Cinema: What Awaits at Festival Sinema Prancis 2024
