Yogyakarta, 1 December 2025 — Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency Irene Umar attended French Night at Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) Yogyakarta, an important part of the 2025 JAFF (Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival) Market series. The event also marked a special moment honoring film director Garin Nugroho as Officier des Arts et Lettres.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menghadiri French Night di Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) Yogyakarta, yang menjadi bagian penting dari kegiatan JAFF (Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival) Market 2025, Yogyakarta, Senin (1/12/2025).
“The Indonesia–France collaboration shows that cinema is not merely entertainment, but a medium of creative diplomacy. With open hearts and a collaborative spirit, we can drive creativity, foster authenticity, nurture young filmmakers, and create quality jobs. French Night at IFI stands as an important symbol of the journey of cinema and the development of Indonesia’s creative talent, and is part of our collective effort toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” said Deputy Minister Irene at IFI Yogyakarta on Monday, 1 December 2025.
French Night underscored the creative collaboration between Indonesia and France, as well as the Ministry's support for advancing Indonesian cinema and strengthening the creative talent ecosystem. Throughout JAFF Market 2025, the Indonesia–France Film Lab x MTN (National Talent Management) Lab became a major highlight, affirming the joint commitment of the Government of Indonesia, the French Embassy, and APROFI (Indonesian Film Producers Association) to support young talent shaping the new wave of Indonesian cinema.
The program began with the film lab opening on the first day, followed by an Industry Lunch hosted by the Ministry of Creative Economy. The second and third days featured workshop sessions, where participants received professional mentorship, scriptwriting training, and project-development guidance.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
Ten selected film projects were presented during the program, including A Mother’s Niqab, The Boy with His Mother’s Statue, The First Journey of Grief, The Heirlooms, The Last Dance, and What to Wear for My Own Funeral. French Night provided an atmosphere of celebration, industry networking, and a musical performance from Papua.
H.E. Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, emphasized the essential role of the film lab in strengthening bilateral relations and opening opportunities for coproduction.
“Through the Indonesia–France Film Lab, we aim to strengthen Indonesian cinema, open up co-production opportunities, and connect young talent with French mentors. This is a special moment to celebrate Garin Nugroho’s extraordinary contribution to Indonesian cinema and the creative relationship between our countries,” Penone said.
Meanwhile, Garin Nugroho, Indonesian film director and founder of JAFF, expressed his appreciation for receiving the Officier des Arts et Lettres honor, noting that the recognition extends beyond himself.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
“This is a great privilege, not only for myself but also for Indonesian cinema, JAFF, and Asia. This recognition is a shared celebration for everyone who has supported my career, including my family and Indonesia’s remarkable film ecosystem. I believe that the younger generation, with their talent and dedication, will continue to develop creativity and humanity within our cinematic ecosystem,” Garin stated.
The event concluded with a group photo session involving all participants and invited guests, as well as a musical performance from Papua. French Night strengthened international collaboration, supported creative talent, nurtured young filmmakers, and reinforced Indonesia’s commitment to developing a sustainable cinematic ecosystem. JAFF continues until 6 December 2025 with various film programs, screenings, and industry discussions.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
Deputy Minister Irene Umar was accompanied by Director of Film, Animation, and Video at the Ministry of Creative Economy Doni Setiawan, Special Advisor for Creative Economy Ecosystem Development Jago Anggara, and Ministerial Expert for Media Rocklin Aprilius Anderson. Also in attendance was IFI Director Jules Irrmann.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
