A cinematic journey that celebrates connection, culture, and creative expression across continents

Indonesia’s longest-running foreign film festival, Europe on Screen (EoS), will celebrate its silver anniversary in 2025. Taking place from June 13 to 22 across seven cities—Jakarta, Bandung, Denpasar, Medan, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Yogyakarta—this 25th edition of EoS marks a historic milestone in the cultural relationship between Indonesia and the European Union.

Carrying the theme of celebration and reflection, EoS 2025 will present 55 curated films from 27 European countries, alongside a retrospective program of Indonesian cinema to deepen cross-cultural dialogue. According to the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi, the festival is more than just a film showcase—it symbolizes the close ties between European and Indonesian communities through cinema.

Heartfelt Opening and Closing Films

The festival will open with Circusboy – Zirkuskind (Germany, 2025), a children’s docu-drama by Julia Lemke and Anna Koch. It tells the touching story of Santino, a boy raised in a traveling circus family. The film received a Special Mention at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival.

The closing film, The Boy with Pink Pants – Il Ragazzo dai Pantaloni Rosa (Italy, 2024), is based on the true story of Andrea, a teenager who experienced bullying. The film earned widespread acclaim in Italy and internationally, including a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards.

Spotlight on Inclusivity and Representation

EoS 2025 also underscores a major achievement in inclusivity, with around 55% of the films directed by women, many of whom are first-time filmmakers. “This reflects the evolving landscape of contemporary European cinema,” said Meninaputri Wismurti, Co-Director of EoS 2025.

In addition to European works, the festival features the "From Locarno to Venice" program, showcasing five short films by Indonesian filmmakers who have stood out at prominent European festivals, such as Maryam by Sidi Saleh and Kado by Aditya Ahmad. This segment reinforces Indonesia’s growing footprint in the international film arena.

Nurturing Emerging Talent Through Competition

The Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP) returns to support emerging filmmakers. This year saw an 86% increase in submissions, totaling 373 entries, with about 20% coming from outside Indonesia. Ten finalists—from cities including Jakarta to Jayapura—will receive funding opportunities to bring their projects to life.

Festival Co-Director Nauval Yazid commented that the overwhelming response reflects a growing spirit of creativity among Indonesia’s short film community.

A Special Edition Featuring New Venues and Programs

To mark its 25th anniversary, EoS introduces several exciting additions. In Jakarta, the Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel joins as a new screening venue, offering audiences a fresh viewing experience. In Surabaya, Airlangga University becomes a partner venue in collaboration with the EU Centre. Notably, the Opening Night will return to a cinema setting for the first time since the pandemic.

The pre-festival program, Road to EoS 2025, has been running since February, offering educational sessions and film screenings at universities and cultural institutions to build anticipation ahead of the main event.

With a legacy spanning 25 years, EoS 2025 is more than a cinematic celebration—it is a powerful testament to the unifying role of film as a medium for cross-cultural understanding.

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