France and Indonesia are strengthening their strategic cultural partnership through an expanded series of film initiatives as the France-Indonesia Film Lab celebrates its second edition at the JAFF Market.
Fabien Penone, French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, said Indonesia is a key priority for the French government and culture is at the heart of the strategic partnership. The partnership recognizes that both countries have important and dynamic cultural industries covering a variety of sectors, particularly film, he says.
This cooperation builds on high-level government initiatives, including state visits by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Prabowo Subianto. In July, the French culture minister welcomed Indonesian officials to Paris, where they adopted a cultural roadmap with a particular focus on film, Penone said.
The France-Indonesia Film Lab, which will be held in Yogyakarta from November 27th to December 1st, has expanded significantly since its first edition in 2024. “We are discovering new talent in Indonesia, following them and mentoring them,” Penone told Variety at JAFF Market. “This year, we have identified six Indonesian teams, producers and filmmakers who are developing their first or second feature film. The aim is essentially to pave the way for future Indonesian-French co-productions.”
The lab has been enhanced with two major components. “First, we will write the script for the film with the support of CNC Film Agency,” says Penone. “We mentor young talent so they have the tools to meet and pitch producers.” The second component is an industry lab designed to help filmmakers gain a deeper understanding of the French ecosystem, including financing options and institutional support.
Looking ahead, he says, “In 2026, we will hold co-production meetings not only with Indonesia but also with other Southeast Asian countries, where they will have the opportunity to meet our producers.”
This year’s Lab includes Thomas Rosso, general coordinator of Cannes Critics’ Week, and five French experts, including four producers already working in Southeast Asia. “The lab is longer than last year, so we have much more time to accompany these young talents,” said Penone.
Beyond the lab, France has launched several initiatives to raise the international profile of Indonesian films. The French Cinémathèque will hold a retrospective of Indonesian films in Paris from December 10, screening major Indonesian films from independence to the present and providing awareness of Indonesian films to French audiences and industry professionals, Penone said.
Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Dzong will be in attendance and will meet with French Culture Minister Rashida Dati to discuss further implementation of the July roadmap.
In 2026, Indonesian filmmakers will be featured in specialized festivals in France. For the first time, the Gérardmer Film Festival will shine a spotlight on Indonesia, with director Joko Anwar as the guest of honor, Penone said. The Ambassador noted that this will create an opportunity to screen Anwar’s works, saying that Anwar is one of Indonesia’s most talented horror and fantasy filmmakers.
Indonesian short films will also be screened at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. “We think there are a lot of opportunities for young Indonesian filmmakers because the short films here are very creative and very interesting. We want to showcase the dynamism of Indonesian cinema,” Penone said.
Cannes Critics Weekly has announced Next Step Studio Indonesia, a short film co-production program for emerging Indonesian directors starting in May 2026.
This partnership emphasizes mutual learning. “This is a true partnership,” says Penone. “We co-fund all our programs, co-define our goals and jointly implement all our initiatives. We have a lot to learn and gain from our partnership with Indonesia. We believe both countries are creative and have many stories and talents to tell. We want to combine our soft power.”
This cooperation will be based on the principles outlined in the Borobudur Declaration between the two presidents. France is working with Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Creative Economy, and local governments such as Jakarta and Central Java.
Although France and Indonesia do not have a formal co-production agreement, Penone is more concerned with results than bureaucracy. “We want to be very operational. We can sign a lot of papers. What we want are tangible results and this is how we work,” he says. This strategic framework exists through a presidential declaration and a ministerial roadmap, with a clear goal of developing co-production through concrete projects, not just agreements on paper.
JAFF Market, Indonesia’s first large-scale film market, is emerging as an important platform. “We see the JAFF market as very strategic. It’s a growing market. It’s becoming one of the most important film markets in Asia and certainly in Southeast Asia,” Penone said.
The French Embassy has been hosting the Festival Cinema Plansis in Indonesia for 26 years, and this year, the 27th edition, will be held simultaneously with the Indonesia-France Film Lab at JAFF Market.
