Indonesia has selected Yandy Lawrence’s “Sore: Wife from the Future” as its entry in the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The romantic Sci-Fi drama produced by Cerita Films and starring Sheila Dara Aisha and Dion Wiyoko has been confirmed as a national submission by Indonesia’s Oscar Selection Committee following the Plenary Conference.
Based on Laurens’ 2017 web series, the feature follows Croatia photographer Jonathan (Wiyoko). She takes on the mission to change Jonathan’s destiny, sparking stories that intertwin the past, present and future, and building high emotional stakes as the couple face the consequences of their choices.
The Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee is held annually by the Indonesian Film Producers Association (APROFI) and verified by the Academy and selects one film for consideration. In a statement, the committee said the film’s inclusion underscores the growing ambition to strengthen Indonesian film’s presence at the global stage.
Indonesia has submitted films since 1987, but has yet to be named to the category previously known as Best Foreign Language Film. “Pain: Wife from the Future” marks the country’s 27th submission. Recent selections include Djoko Anwar’s “Impulse” (2020), Camila Andoni’s “Uni” (2021), Bené Dion’s “Missing Home” (2022), Macbour Mubarak’s “Autobiography” (2023), and “The Women of Roth” (2024).
The Oscar International feature summary will be announced on December 16th, with the last five candidates announced on January 22nd.
