Embracing diversity, bridging cultures, and inspiring a new generation of Indonesian filmmakers

Europe on Screen (EoS) 2025, the European Union's annual film festival in Indonesia, officially kicked off its 25th edition with a festive opening at CGV Grand Indonesia in Jakarta on June 12. Running from June 13 to 22, the festival brought a diverse selection of European films to seven major cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Denpasar, Medan, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Yogyakarta.

This milestone edition featured 55 films from 27 European countries, showcasing a rich variety of genres and themes. A notable highlight this year was the strong representation of female directors, with more than half of the films helmed by women, many making their directorial debut. This commitment to inclusivity and fresh voices reflects EoS’s growing dedication to diversity in storytelling.

The opening night was attended by Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia, and Ina Lepel, German Ambassador to Indonesia. Ambassador Chaibi noted that the festival’s longevity demonstrates Indonesia’s deep appreciation for European cinema and ongoing cross-cultural engagement.

Deputy Minister Giring expressed his hope that the festival would inspire and benefit Indonesia’s film community. He underscored the importance of initiatives like the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP), which supports young filmmakers in developing and promoting their ideas.

This year’s festival opened with Circusboy (Zirkuskind), a German docu-drama directed by Julia Lemke and Anna Koch. The film was previously recognized at the Berlin International Film Festival 2025 and selected for Hot Docs 2025. German Ambassador Ina Lepel praised the film for its emotional depth and collaboration between two talented female directors.

Adding to the festival’s excitement was the presence of Irish director Brian Durnin, who visited Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta for post-screening discussions of his film Spilt Milk. He also conducted a workshop titled “How to Make a Good Children Film” on June 13 at GoetheHaus Jakarta. EoS further engaged audiences through Instagram Live sessions featuring European filmmakers, offering behind-the-scenes insights and discussions about their works.

The 2025 edition also premiered three short films produced through last year’s SFPP: Tutup Hari Kiamat by Dzauqy F. Ilham, The Sadness is Not Over Yet by Tanzilal Azizie, and Wali (The Guardian) by Rayhan Syafiq Renaldi and Septa Yudhistira. According to EoS Co-Director Nauval Yazid, the program received 367 submissions this year, an 86 percent increase from 2024, with many finalists coming from regions outside Java. This growth highlights the expanding reach and impact of EoS’s support for emerging talent.

All screenings at EoS 2025 were free and open to the public, with tickets available an hour before showtime at each venue. By offering access to quality cinema and meaningful cultural exchange, Europe on Screen 2025 reaffirmed its role as a bridge between European stories and Indonesian audiences.

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