Jakarta, 20 April, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) received an audience with the production team of the international film Happy Eyes, a collaboration between Indonesian and French filmmakers. This children’s adventure feature film is directed by Gilles de Maistre from France and funded by StudioCanal France through Moana France, in collaboration with Indonesian production house Jungle Run Production.
The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, received representatives of the Happy Eyes film at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta, expressing readiness for collaboration in film production as a joint work of Indonesian and French filmmakers, on Monday (April 20, 2026).
The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized that the Happy Eyes film project is strategic in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and France, particularly in the film, animation, and video subsectors. This collaboration aligns with the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed upon by both countries.
“Cross-border collaboration is a concrete step to open more investment opportunities in creative economy subsectors, particularly film. The Ministry of Creative Economy aims to ensure Indonesia becomes a production-friendly destination for international projects while also elevating local talent to the global market,” said Teuku Riefky at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (April 20).
Doc: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Happy Eyes film is expected to provide opportunities to enhance the capacity of local talent through knowledge transfer from internationally standardized crews, while also expanding the professional networks of Indonesian filmmakers for global co-production opportunities. As an example, the Ministry of Creative Economy has previously supported the production of the film Rose Pandanwangi, which involved co-production across four countries. In addition, the Minister noted that the Government is currently developing an incentive scheme to strengthen the competitiveness of the national film industry, including both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
“The Ministry of Creative Economy is finalizing an incentive scheme for the film industry, covering streamlined licensing processes, ecosystem strengthening, and potential incentives such as cash rebates. The presence of projects like the Happy Eyes feature film serves as a concrete example that can enrich such policies,” the Minister added.
During the meeting, representatives of the Happy Eyes film stated that Indonesia was chosen as a filming location due to its rich natural landscapes, culture, and the significant potential of its growing creative industry. The filming process is planned to take approximately eight weeks, with the main location at Taman Safari Indonesia, Bogor.
Source: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“We are currently in the pre-production stage. Next month, we will conduct casting for actors in Indonesia, and filming is scheduled from mid-July to September. Locations will include Taman Safari Bogor, Bali, and several other regions in Indonesia,” said Happy Eyes line producer Chali Sakyan.
Furthermore, the production of Happy Eyes is not solely focused on cinematic output but also carries educational and promotional missions, including raising awareness of environmental conservation and wildlife protection through its narrative.
Doc: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The story of Happy Eyes centers on the friendship between a young girl named River and a baby orangutan named Happy. The film conveys an environmental message for younger generations, encouraging greater awareness and protection of wildlife such as orangutans, whose populations continue to decline.
“Today’s meeting reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration that delivers significant impact across the creative economy, tourism, and other sectors. We require support in licensing, coordination with immigration regarding visas, and the involvement of orangutans in the film. This project will demonstrate that Indonesia is a strategic filming destination with natural beauty and cultural richness that can attract international investors,” added Chali Sakyan.
Accompanying the Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, were Special Staff to the Minister for Strategic and Inter-Institutional Issues Rian Syaf; Director of Film, Animation, and Video Doni Setiawan; Expert Staff for Strategic and Inter-Institutional Issues Gemintang Kejora Mallarangeng; and Expert Staff for Media Monitoring and Public Opinion Hasbil Mustaqim Lubis.
Doc: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Also present at the meeting were Executive Producer of Happy Eyes Joe Yaggi; Line Producer Gautier Philip; Production Manager Yazid Tizi; along with Strategic Partners Sigit Eko Prabowo and Lucky Rifqianto.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
