The 11th edition of the Australia-Indonesia Film Festival (FSAI) will return from May 8 to 23, 2026, featuring seven curated films designed to enhance cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations.
- Dates: May 8 to 23, 2026.
- Scope: Screenings across 11 Indonesian cities.
- Content: Seven contemporary feature films and four short films.
The event will be hosted in Jakarta, Manado, Semarang, Medan, Bogor, Makassar, Surabaya, Kupang, Banjarmasin, Yogyakarta, and Mataram.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier stated that the festival’s decade-plus milestone reflects a joint commitment to a maturing creative partnership. Brazier described FSAI as a strong platform for filmmakers from both countries to collaborate and strengthen people-to-people relationships.
Expanding the Australia-Indonesia Film Festival’s Creative Reach
Beyond traditional screenings, FSAI 2026 aims to bolster creative industry ties. The festival seeks to encourage Indonesian filmmakers to enter the global market by strengthening Intellectual Property (IP).
This year’s selection includes seven contemporary feature films and four short films created by Australia Awards participants. A major highlight will be “Screen on the Green,” an open-air cinematic experience located in the Bogor Botanical Gardens.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar emphasized the economic potential of this bilateral cooperation. Umar noted that the partnership extends beyond cultural exchange into a profound sharing of technical expertise.
This vision is exemplified by the success of the animated feature Jumbo. Created by Caravan Studio founder and Australia Awards alumnus Chris Lie, the film drew 10 million viewers in 2025, becoming one of Indonesia’s top-grossing films.
Lie stated that featuring Jumbo at the festival is a strategic move to engage a younger demographic, making the film festival environment familiar to children as well as adults.
The festival will also feature technical masterclasses led by international guests. Andrew Commis, the cinematographer for The Force of Nature: The Dry 2, and Michelle Johnston, an Associate Professor from Curtin University, will lead sessions on cinematography and documentary production for students and the public.
In 2025, the festival recorded approximately 6,500 attendees. Organizers expect increased enthusiasm as the event expands its offerings to include documentaries, animation, and horror.
Irene Umar encouraged industry players to look beyond ticket sales and utilize licensing and merchandising within a broader IP ecosystem. The festival is ultimately envisioned as a strategic step toward producing collaborative works that achieve global recognition.
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