Celebrates international cinema, with Indonesia represented by Yulia Evina Bhara as a jury member and co-producer of Renoir

The 78th Cannes Film Festival officially opened on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Cannes, France. This prestigious annual event once again serves as a global stage for filmmakers to gather, celebrating international collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovation in cinema. This year, Southeast Asia is in the spotlight, with notable contributions from filmmakers representing Indonesia and Singapore.

Representing Indonesia, Yulia Evina Bhara stands out as an independent film producer known for her artistic vision and socially conscious storytelling. Yulia has been selected as a jury member for the Semaine de la Critique (Critics’ Week), a respected section of the festival dedicated to highlighting emerging global talent. Her selection is a testament to Indonesia’s growing influence in the international film industry.

In addition to her role as a jury member, Yulia is also present in Cannes as the co-producer of Renoir, a film that premiered on May 17, 2025, and is competing for the Palme d'Or, the festival’s most prestigious award. Directed and written by Chie Hayakawa, Renoir is a five-country co-production involving Japan, France, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The film stars Yui Suzuki, Lily Franky, Hikari Ishida, and Ayumu Nakajima.

Outside of the competition, Indonesia is actively involved in the Marché du Film, one of the world’s most important film markets. This platform enables filmmakers and producers to expand their distribution networks and explore cross-border partnerships. Among the Indonesian films featured this year are Ikatan Darah, Timur, Monster Pabrik Rambut, Jumbo, Pangku, The Mourning Journey, and Rose Pandanwangi.

The festival kicked off with Le deuxième acte (The Second Act), directed by French filmmaker Quentin Dupieux. The film was screened out of competition. This year also saw a notable update to the festival’s red carpet dress code, with organizers banning sheer "naked" dresses and voluminous gowns.

Running until May 24, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival highlights Indonesia’s active presence not only in competition but also in global film industry circles. The country's increasing visibility on the world stage underscores the rising impact of Indonesian cinema.

photo source : instagram.com/yuliaevinabhara

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