Russian Film Day 2025 Debuts in Jakarta: Festival Recap
Russian Film Day 2025 marked its debut in Jakarta with a showcase of contemporary Russian cinema at CGV Central Park. Despite a technical setback, the festival drew enthusiastic audiences and laid the groundwork for future cross-cultural film collaborations.
The inaugural edition of Russian Film Day 2025 in Indonesia, held on July 5, 2025, at CGV Cinemas Central Park, marked a significant step in introducing contemporary Russian cinema to Indonesian audiences. Presented by ROSKINO with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and as part of the Kinosuite Consulate program under the Kinosuite International Indonesian Film Festival, the event aimed to foster cross-cultural cinematic exchange between Russia and Southeast Asia.
The festival offered a curated selection of Russian blockbusters and acclaimed arthouse titles, including His Name Was Not Listed (2025, dir. Sergei Korotaev), Endless Winter (2024, dir. Nikolai Larionov), The Enchanted Tinderbox (2024, dir. Alexander Voitinsky), Roman Kostomarov: Born Twice (2024, dir. Mikhail Shchedrinsky), and Three of Us (2024, dir. Alexandra Sarana).
Despite a technical issue that led to the cancellation of Three of Us, the screenings proceeded with enthusiastic attendance and an audience eager to engage with the diversity of Russian film. Attendees were particularly drawn to the program’s range—from war dramas and magical family tales to emotionally resonant documentaries and internationally recognized festival entries.
ROSKINO CEO Elsa Antonova noted, “Given the focus of this film festival, the screening program includes several outstanding auteur projects in various genres. We hope that the Indonesian audience’s interest in Russian cinema will grow.” Indonesia joins a growing list of Southeast Asian countries hosting ROSKINO events, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to building cultural cooperation through cinema.
As Jakarta Cinema Club, we were proud to support this initiative as an official media partner. Russian Film Day 2025 demonstrated strong potential, especially in its ability to attract new audiences to contemporary Russian cinema. That said, we believe the program can be further developed in the future.
We propose the inclusion of a “Classics” section in subsequent editions, featuring iconic filmmakers such as Andrei Tarkovsky, Sergei Eisenstein, and more recent auteurs like Andrey Zvyagintsev. This would provide historical context and allow for a deeper appreciation of Russian cinematic heritage. We also recommend improvements to the ticketing process; the current check-in system led to long queues, with some attendees missing the start of their next screening.
Beyond the screenings, Russian Film Day 2025 also served as the platform to launch the Nusantara Insight Film Festival (NIFF), a new independent international film and cultural initiative. NIFF aims to present the diverse narratives of Indonesia to the world, beginning with a reciprocal showcase in Moscow. This cultural exchange is part of a larger movement to build long-term, sustainable partnerships through film.
Overall, Russian Film Day 2025 has laid the foundation for a valuable and inspiring collaboration. With thoughtful refinements, we believe this initiative can evolve into a cornerstone of Jakarta’s annual film calendar—one that continues to open doors between Indonesian audiences and global cinema.
Nusantara Insight Film Festival Launches at Russian Film Day 2025, Marking a New Era for Indonesian Cinema
At the press conference for Russian Film Day Indonesia 2025, held at CGV Cinemas Central Park on July 5, a major announcement reshaped the landscape of Indonesian film diplomacy: the launch of the Nusantara Insight Film Festival (NIFF). Positioned as more than a film showcase, NIFF is set to become a long-term cultural platform to amplify Indonesian storytelling across borders.
Emerging from the belief that cinema has the power to shape how nations see themselves and are seen by others, NIFF aims to spotlight authentic, nuanced stories from the Indonesian archipelago. With its inaugural theme, “Bringing the Archipelago Insight Around the World,” the festival will bridge contemporary Indonesian voices with global audiences while staying rooted in local heritage.
Leading the debut slate are two feature films that embody the diversity and ambition of Indonesian cinema: 12 Mile: Guiding the Archipelago, a sweeping docudrama on maritime sovereignty and national unity centered on the legacy of Prof. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja; and Bestiary, a bold psychological drama by emerging filmmaker Julio Rionaldo, exploring identity and grief through a globally attuned arthouse lens.
NIFF is more than a moment—it is a movement. Its format goes beyond screenings, with plans for international premieres, academic roadshows, institutional partnerships, and digital activations to reach the diaspora and global cinephiles. The festival’s first stop is a reciprocal showcase with ROSKINO in Moscow, strengthening a new chapter in Indonesia–Russia film exchange. From there, the NIFF tour will expand to Europe, with screenings scheduled in Amsterdam, Vienna, and Athens.
“We’re not just sending films abroad—we’re extending a hand,” said NIFF co-founder Julio Rionaldo. “Indonesia is a living constellation of cultures, languages, and dreams, and cinema is our invitation to the world to see who we really are.”
In parallel with NIFF’s debut, the Russian Film Day event itself signaled a wider mission for the region’s cinema ecosystem. As part of the Kinosuite Consulate initiative under the Kinosuite International Indonesian Film Festival, the program emphasized cross-cultural storytelling and generational exchange. With a lineup curated by Southeast Asian creatives and supported by student volunteers, the initiative also offered industry-led workshops focused on sustainability and international co-production.
Workshops such as “Bootstrap Cinema: Zero-Budget Indie Hustle,” led by Fadhil Abhimantra of Ruang Mantra Studio, encouraged filmmakers to build with grit and heart. Another session led by Julio Rionaldo demystified the process of international co-productions, providing practical tools for new creators to break into global cinema.
With this foundation, Kinosuite Consulate and NIFF jointly imagine a future where filmmaking is more than an art form—it’s a cultural bridge, a professional path, and a diplomatic tool. For Indonesia, this marks a shift: from telling stories at home to shaping the global conversation.
As the festival circuit opens its doors to new voices, the message from Jakarta is clear: Indonesian cinema is ready to travel.
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