The 18th Bali International Film Festival successfully screened more than 72 films from 32 countries, including 8 World Premieres, 25 Asian Premieres, and 16 International Premieres, as well as 23 Indonesian films.
BALI, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM – The 18th Bali International Film Festival ‘Balinale’ officially concluded on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with a traditional open-air cinema (Layar Tancap) event, led by the Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon. The event featured a special screening of selected Balinese and Indonesian films and was held at The Meru Sanur, the Hotel & Venue Partner.
This community-focused event was attended by leading directors, notable public figures, community leaders, and stakeholders from the Sanur area.
The closing night featured two IMAX films produced in Indonesia: UNDER THE SEA by Howard Hall (USA, Canada) and BORN TO BE WILD by David Lickley (USA). Balinale proudly presented Bali’s first-ever IMAX 3D screening.
The night before, the Balinale International Film Festival Jury – consisting of Matthieu Rytz (Canada) – Visual Storyteller; Donna Smith (USA) – Executive Producer; Sam Buckland (Australia) – Director of Programming at Australian Film Institute I AACTA; Agustini Rahayu (Indonesia) – Deputy Minister of Media Creativity, Ministry of Creative Economy; Andibachtiar Yusuf (Indonesia) – Director; Dr. Lawrence Blair (UK) – Director and Writer; Nirartha Bas Diwangkara (Indonesia) – Director and Writer; and Joe Yaggi (USA) – Director and Producer – announced the winners of this year’s competition in five categories.
Winners:
Short Documentary
Winner: AMAL / Hope – Eros Zhao
According to the jury, this is a beautiful short film with a touching story about how much we are the “same,” despite our differences. In a divided world, the film shows how humanity can transcend what separates us. Excellent shots, great texture, and a reflection of its subjects. The musical scenes speak volumes, showing how the two musicians come together in one voice. AMAL / Hope is the perfect name and a great film.
Short Narrative
Winner: The Boy with White Skin – Simon Panay (France)
The jury praised this film for its uncompromising realism and subtle magical realism that is both disturbing and moving. Its cinematography and atmosphere, combined with strong storytelling, make this short film a true work of art.
Special Mention: A Lifelike Fairytale – Rinaldas Tomaševičius (Lithuania)
This stunning film showcases joyful, energetic performances. Its subtle character observations reveal bitter truths while highlighting genuine beauty. Masterfully directed and written, A Lifelike Fairytale bursts off the screen and stays in memory.
Short Animation
Winner: Retirement Plan – John Kelly (Ireland)
“Retirement Plan” is a beautifully gentle animation that communicates deep emotion without relying on dialogue. Its charm lies in its simplicity and sincerity, weaving a heartfelt story about aging and self-reflection with strong technical execution.
Special Mention: Crow, Starfish, Unicorn – Xiaoxuan Han
This delightful animation uses the medium to tell a touching story poetically. Its intricate design and fluid lines feel both fresh and timeless. Xiaoxuan Han is a rare talent sure to shine in animation for decades to come.
As Indonesia’s first and only Academy Award® Qualifying Festival for Best Short Film in three categories, Balinale Short Film Competition winners are now eligible for Oscar® consideration.
Feature Documentary
Winner: Champions of the Golden Valley – Ben Sturgulewski (USA)
A visually stunning film offering a deep exploration of life in a conflict-ridden country. Focusing on a skiing competition in remote Afghan mountains, the director highlights women’s struggle for recognition and celebrates their resilience.
Feature Narrative
Winner: Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo – Khaled Mansour
This moving film explores Cairo, regret, and disenfranchisement through the simple story of a man and his bond with his beloved dog. With a powerful performance by Essam Omar as Hassan, it takes audiences on a journey through Cairo’s underworld and Hassan’s complex past. Sensitive yet sharp writing and directing from Mansour evoke deep emotion without overt sentimentality.
Gary L Hayes Award for Emerging Indonesian Filmmaker
Suintrah – Ayesha Alma Almera (Indonesia)
A gripping film that pulls viewers into its winding atmosphere and refuses to let go. Almera and Suhendra’s script creates real tension through strong characterization and – crucially – silence. With standout performances from Landung Simatupan and Nizar Azza Faezya Tama, Suintrah plays like a thriller but delivers a powerful message about modern society.
Committee Choice Award
Ravens – Mark Gill
A profoundly beautiful film tackling complex themes with compelling storytelling. Asano Tadanobu shines as Masahisa Fukase – at times painful, humorous, even dangerous – brilliantly complemented by Kumi Takiuchi as Yoko. Mark Gill’s script seamlessly navigates eras in Japan’s rapid development. Few films capture the essence of an artist’s need to create quite like Ravens. A modern classic.
This year’s Balinale expanded its global impact, marking nearly two decades of bringing exceptional cinema to Indonesia. The week-long event showcased over 72 films from 32 countries, including 8 World Premieres, 25 Asian Premieres, and 16 International Premieres, along with 23 Indonesian films. The festival continues to champion independent cinema and promote diverse voices and creative talents.
Founded in 2007 by the Bali Film Center (BFC) – a private company providing professional services for film and television production in Indonesia since 2002 – the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale) is internationally recognized for its diverse programming of global independent cinema and strong industry affiliations. It is supported by the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of Culture, the Bali Governor’s Office, and the Denpasar Mayor’s Office.
The Bali Film Center (BFC) is committed to promoting Indonesia as a filming location and production hub for international projects. At the forefront of filmmaking in the country since 2002, BFC has facilitated numerous film, TV, print, and series productions and is recognized by national and provincial governments for promoting Indonesia’s individuals, industries, and creative destinations.***
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