Jakarta Film Week 2025 Wraps Up with Dopamin and Award Triumphs
Jakarta Film Week 2025 officially concluded on Sunday night at CGV Grand Indonesia, with the screening of Dopamin, directed by Teddy Soeriaatmadja, as the festival’s Closing Film. The Closing Ceremony celebrated five days of screenings, discussions, and exchanges between filmmakers and audiences, culminating in the announcement of this year’s award winners across national and international categories.
Festival Director Rina Damayanti opened the evening with reflections on the festival’s journey:
“Through every screening and every shared moment, we’re reminded that cinema unites us, bridges distance, ignites empathy, and opens hearts. We’re proud to see how Indonesian cinema continues to grow and evolve.”
Rano Karno, Vice Governor of Jakarta, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to strengthening its creative economy and film ecosystem.
“For five days, we witnessed extraordinary works from filmmakers around the world. I’m grateful that Jakarta audiences got to experience so many stories and perspectives through this year’s festival. Thank you to everyone who made this possible — see you at Jakarta Film Week 2026!”
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon praised the festival’s growing role as a platform for cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration:
“Jakarta Film Week is not only a space for artistic exchange but also an engine of cultural diplomacy and economic movement that connects communities across borders.”
Award Highlights
The Global Feature Award went to The Devil Smokes by Ernesto Martinez Bucio, cited by the jury for “building an authentic and resonant world that balances social realism with fable.”
The Direction Award for Indonesian cinema was given to Crocodile Tears by Tumpal Tampubolon, described as “a dark fable that demonstrates total command of cinematic language, from writing to visuals and performance.”
In the short film category, the Global Short Award was presented to A Very Straight Neck by Neo Sora, an 11-minute film that “blends absurdity, sadness, and social commentary in a striking and effective way.” A Special Mention went to Workers’ Wings by Ilir Hasanaj, recognized for its “innovative mise-en-scène and emotionally haunting imagery.”
The Global Animation Award was given to And Granny Would Dance by Maryam Mohajer, celebrated for its “bold visuals and moving portrayal of women’s empowerment through simple yet powerful emotion.”
The Jakarta Film Fund Award went to Salon Gue Aje by Tahlia Motik, praised for its “honest and authentic depiction of Jakarta’s gentrification.”
The Nongshim Award—a new category introduced this year—honored two Indonesian films:
- Feature Film: Crocodile Tears by Tumpal Tampubolon
- Short Film: A Tale for My Daughter (Tutaha Subang) by Wulan Putri, noted for “its brave and empathetic approach to sensitive issues with maturity and depth.”
Industry Awards
Three emerging producers — Hanna Humaira, Abby Latip, and Haediqal Pawennei — were selected for the Producers Lab program and will represent Indonesia at Platform Busan 2026.
A Development Grant from the National Talent Management (MTN) was awarded to Mozad Irvany for The Boy with His Mother’s Statue.
At the Pitching Forum, several promising projects received industry support:
- MTN Development Grant: The Light of Fire / Tinju Api (Dir. Sesarini, Prod. Lyza Anggraheni)
- BSM Awards (Camera Equipment Support): Dancing Gale and All Things Real and Unreal
- QPM Project Market Participation: Dancing Gale
The project Pingpong (Dir. Najam Yardo, Prod. Hannan Cinthya) won three awards — HKIFF Industry Award: Jakarta Film Week Goes to Hong Kong, Visinema Development Grant, and Jagakarya Post-Production Support.
Closing Film: Dopamin
Teddy Soeriaatmadja’s Dopamin closed the festival on a warm, reflective note. The film explores the search for happiness in an increasingly chaotic world and was met with long applause from the audience.
Producer Gobind Vashdev shared, “Dopamin is about how we can still find joy in a world that keeps getting crazier. It’s a reminder that love is the only medicine that keeps us sane.”
International Collaboration: Indonesia to Be Focus Country at Next Step Studio 2026
The evening also featured the announcement of a major collaboration between La Semaine de la Critique – Cannes, KawanKawan Media, and DW. Indonesia will be the Focus Country for Next Step Studio 2026, an expansion of the Cannes Critics’ Week’s Next Step Workshop.
This partnership continues the legacy of La Factory (Directors’ Fortnight, Cannes 2013), aiming to nurture emerging voices in world cinema. Producer Yulia Evina Bhara emphasized its significance:
“This is an essential step to open international pathways for young Indonesian filmmakers while strengthening cross-cultural collaborations rooted in local identity.”
For more information, visit www.jakartafilmweek.com or follow @jakartafilmweek on social media.
Also read: Jakarta Film Week 2025: Five Years of Reigniting Cinema Energy
