Indonesian Movies Gain Spotlight at Prestigious Shanghai Film Festival

Jakarta — Indonesian cinema is gaining significant international attention at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), where a selection of films from the country has captured the interest of global audiences and critics alike.

Feature films such as My Own Last Supper (Rencana Besar untuk Mati dengan Tenang) and Yuni, alongside animated titles like Jumbo and Garuda: Dare to Dream (Garuda di Dadaku), are being showcased at the festival, presenting a fresh and dynamic face of Indonesia’s film industry.

All 12 films competing in this year’s Golden Goblet Awards main competition are world premieres, including Indonesia’s My Own Last Supper. Directed by Ismail Basbeth, the film tells the story of a 76-year-old widower who gathers his children for what he calls his “last supper.” As the family comes together, long-buried memories and unresolved tensions gradually surface.

The film’s creative team not only appeared on the red carpet during the Golden Goblet Awards ceremony but also held a premiere screening during the festival, where they engaged directly with media representatives and audiences.

Framed through the perspective of an Indonesian Chinese family across generations, the narrative employs a realist approach to portray the lives of Chinese Indonesians across key historical periods — 1960, 1970, 1998, and 2018 — while exploring deeper questions about identity, memory, and the meaning of life.

Speaking at a press event on Wednesday, June 17, director Ismail Basbeth expressed his appreciation for the recognition given by SIFF to both the film and its creators.

“I hope this work can help foster a deeper cultural connection between China and Indonesia,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, producer Lyza Anggraheni said she was pleased to bring a story about Chinese Indonesian communities back to China, where its cultural roots resonate strongly.

The film’s two lead actors are themselves of Chinese Indonesian descent. Actress Jessy Davita shared that her grandfather was originally from China.

“I want to portray the real-life experiences of Chinese Indonesians,” said Olivia Irawan Chen, a third-generation Chinese Indonesian actress involved in the film.

Interest in Indonesian films at SIFF has been remarkable. Since ticket sales opened on June 5, several screenings have sold out quickly, reflecting strong curiosity and enthusiasm among Shanghai audiences.

In addition to My Own Last Supper, Indonesia is also represented in the Golden Goblet Awards Animation category through Garuda: Dare to Dream. With entries in both feature and animation categories, Indonesia has emerged as a Southeast Asian force to be reckoned with at this year’s festival.

Indonesianpost.com | Kabarin