A cinematic journey where Indonesia’s boldest storyteller connects fans with unforgettable thrills and visionary storytelling

The French Embassy in Indonesia, in collaboration with the Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI), hosted a special event titled Joko Anwar Night on January 21, 2026, at IFI Thamrin. Running from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the event attracted strong public interest as it featured acclaimed Indonesian director Joko Anwar alongside his frequent collaborator, actress Asmara Abigail, who has starred in many of his most celebrated films and series.

The event took place just days before Joko Anwar’s appearance as Guest of Honor at the 33rd Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival, which was held from January 27 to February 1, 2026, in France. As one of Europe’s leading festivals dedicated to fantasy, horror, and thriller films, Gérardmer provided a prominent platform to showcase his work. His participation reinforced his position as one of Asia’s most influential filmmakers, with iconic titles such as Pengabdi Setan, Perempuan Tanah Jahanam, and Modus Anomali scheduled for screening during the festival.

Joko Anwar Night also highlighted his recent international recognition. In December 2025, he took part in the Panorama of Indonesian Cinema in Paris, the first retrospective exhibition of Indonesian cinema organized by La Cinémathèque française. During the occasion, he was awarded the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal by French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cinema and his continued efforts to foster cultural exchange with French audiences and institutions.

For more than two decades, Joko Anwar has played a pivotal role in shaping Indonesian and Asian cinema. Renowned for blending horror, fantasy, and social commentary, his films have helped revive Indonesian horror on the global stage. Pengabdi Setan and Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion stand among the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed Indonesian films to date.

During Joko Anwar Night, audiences enjoyed screenings of Pengabdi Setan (2017) and Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion (2022). The screenings were followed by an interactive discussion with Joko Anwar and Asmara Abigail, offering deeper insight into the creative process and the ideas behind his films. The evening opened with a photo session, welcoming remarks, and a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with both speakers.

The full program began with a photo session, brief remarks, and Q&A at 6:15 PM, followed by the screening of Pengabdi Setan at 6:30 PM. The discussion session took place at 8:20 PM, before concluding with the screening of Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion at 9:00 PM.

Overall, the event not only delivered a compelling cinematic experience but also underscored the French Embassy in Indonesia and IFI’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties through film. Joko Anwar Night served as a meaningful platform for celebrating Indonesian cinema while offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with one of its most influential filmmakers.