Embracing a New Era of Cultural and Creative Collaboration
BALI, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM — The Bali International Film Festival (Balinale) officially opened its 18th edition today at its new home in Icon Bali Mall, Sanur, transforming the seaside destination into a vibrant gathering of global creativity. From 1–7 June, the festival presents a cinematic journey that bridges cultures, showcases local and international storytelling, and reinforces Bali’s position as a cultural and creative hub.
This year reflects Balinale’s growing impact as a platform for discovering distinctive voices, championing independent cinema, and building strategic partnerships that elevate Indonesia’s presence on the global stage.
Deborah Gabinetti, Founder and Festival Director of Balinale, welcomed audiences by reaffirming the festival’s mission.
“Balinale has always believed in the power of storytelling to connect, challenge, and inspire. In Sanur, we’ve found more than a venue, we’ve found a home that breathes culture and creativity. This is where Indonesia’s cinematic future meets global opportunity,” say Deborah.
Representing the Indonesian government’s commitment to creative economy development, Agustini Rahayu, Deputy for Media Creativity at the Ministry of Creative Economy, emphasized the film industry’s role in driving innovation, national pride, and cross-border collaboration:
“The creative economy thrives when we elevate our stories with innovation, authenticity, and global relevance. Film, as one of the 17 priority sub-sectors, holds immense power, not only to entertain, but to reflect our identity, share our values, and expand our cultural influence internationally. Balinale stands as a model of how festivals can bridge creators with the world while opening real economic opportunities for local talents. We are proud to support platforms like this that empower Indonesia’s creative class and stimulate regional development.”
She added, “Our vision is clear, by 2030, Indonesia aims to be among the top three creative economies in the world. To achieve this, we must strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and communities. Festivals like Balinale are essential partners in that journey.”
As Indonesia’s first and only Oscar®-Qualifying Film Festival, Balinale celebrates nearly two decades of bringing outstanding cinema to the country. The 2025 edition presents over 70 films from 32 countries, including 8 World, 25 Asian, and 16 International Premieres, along with 23 Indonesian films.
Opening the Festival, is the 2025 Academy® Award Winning animated feature FLOW, directed by Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia). Closing Night will feature two IMAX films shot in Indonesia: UNDER THE SEA by Howard Hall (USA, Canada) and BORN TO BE WILD by David Lickley (USA).
Official Selections and Competition Films: For the full list of films and screening schedule, visit: www.balinale.com/festival
Narrative Features:
- The Healer – Giuseppe Carleo (Italy)
- Lykke Post Partum – Alexe Landgren, Karen Helene Haugaard (Sweden)
- Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo – Khaled Mansour (Egypt)
- A Place Far From Home – Diana Mashanova (Russia)
- Ravens – Mark Gill (Japan)
Documentary Features:
- Champions of the Golden Valley – Ben Sturgulewski (USA)
- Loot– A Story of Crime And Redemption – Don Millar (Canada)
- Opera as Lifeforce – Gunilla Palo Nordlund (Sweden)
- Scars of Growth – Monika Grassl, Linda Osusky (Austria, Germany)
- Paint Me A Road Out of Here – Catherine Gund (USA)
Short Narrative, Documentary, and Animation categories include films from Indonesia, France, Brazil, Morocco, Japan, Spain, China, and more.
Balinale 2025 Jury:
- Matthieu Rytz – Visual Storyteller
- Donna Smith – Executive Producer
- Sam Buckland – Programming Director, Australian Film Institute | AACTA
- Agustini Rahayu – Deputy Minister of Media Creativity
- Andi Bachtiar Yusuf – Director (Way Back Home)
- Lawrence Blair – Filmmaker and Anthropologist
Festival Passes are available at Tix.id, giving access to screenings and festival events. All non-English films include English subtitles.
For Details: Visit: www.balinale.com
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