Jakarta Film Week 2026 Officially Opens, Strengthening Jakarta’s Journey Toward Becoming a Cinema City

Jakarta, October 21, 2026 — Jakarta Film Week 2026 officially opened on Wednesday, October 21, marking the start of five days of cinema celebrations bringing together filmmakers, audiences, communities, and industry professionals from Indonesia and around the world. The Opening Ceremony took place at CGV Grand Indonesia.

Now in its sixth edition, the festival runs from October 21–25, 2026, under the theme Encounters. Through film screenings, discussions, creative workshops, and industry development programs, Jakarta Film Week creates a space where diverse stories and perspectives can meet. The festival also contributes to efforts to strengthen Jakarta’s film ecosystem, from expanding public access to cinema to providing local talent with opportunities to develop their work and build professional networks.

Audiences can enjoy 157 films from 59 countries, alongside a range of other events taking place at CGV Grand Indonesia, CGV FX Sudirman, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Mercure Jakarta Cikini, Paviliun Raden Saleh, Artotel Curated, and FX Sudirman.

Jakarta Kota Cinema: Strengthening the Capital’s Film Ecosystem

The 2026 edition of Jakarta Film Week supports the Jakarta Kota Cinema initiative. This initiative positions cinema not only as a form of film production and exhibition, but also as part of urban life, involving communities, creative talent, and industry professionals.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said, “Jakarta is committed to strengthening its film ecosystem, developing talent, and expanding public access to cinema. Through Jakarta Film Week, we aim to establish Jakarta as a cinema city that creates opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences to grow together.”

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, stated, “Jakarta Film Week serves as an important platform for advancing Indonesia’s film industry, providing filmmakers with opportunities to showcase their work, expand collaborations, and connect Indonesian cinema with the international film community.”

The theme Encounters serves as the central thread connecting this year’s festival programs. It celebrates encounters through cinema—between films and audiences, different experiences and perspectives, and filmmakers and industry professionals coming together through the festival.

Jakarta Film Week 2026 Festival Director Rina Damayanti said, “Creativity needs a space where ideas can meet and grow. Through Jakarta Film Week, we aim to create a meeting point for stories, filmmakers, and audiences, where new perspectives can emerge and collaborations can grow from simple conversations.”

Ah Girl Opens the Cinema Celebration

Ah Girl, directed by Singaporean filmmaker Ang Geck Geck Priscilla, serves as the opening film of Jakarta Film Week 2026. Priscilla’s feature debut is set in Singapore in 1994 and follows Swee Swee, a seven-year-old girl played by Xuanjing Ong, as she navigates family dynamics and begins to understand the world around her.

The opening ceremony was attended by Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, renowned Hong Kong actor and filmmaker Sammo Hung, representatives from several foreign embassies, jury members, filmmakers and actors, international guests, film industry professionals, partners, and other invited guests. The event featured remarks from government representatives and festival organizers, followed by a screening of Ah Girl, marking the start of five days of cinema celebrating diverse stories, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

Legendary Actor Sammo Hung Headlines JFWNET–Industry Program, Celebrating the Legacy of Hong Kong Action Cinema

The presence of Sammo Hung was one of the highlights of the opening ceremony of Jakarta Film Week 2026. The legendary Hong Kong actor, director, producer, and action choreographer has contributed to the development of Hong Kong action cinema for more than six decades. His work has helped shape action choreography that blends martial arts with comedy, horror, and other genres.

Sammo Hung was warmly welcomed at the festival’s opening ceremony by Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno and Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon. His participation reflects Jakarta Film Week’s commitment to creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional engagement between Indonesia’s film industry and internationally renowned cinema figures.

As part of the JFWNET–Industry Program, Sammo Hung also shares his experience in a masterclass titled Encounters of the Martial Mind: A Masterclass with Sammo Hung. The session explores his creative journey in martial arts and filmmaking, including how fight choreography has evolved into an essential element of cinematic storytelling. With an expected audience of around 500 participants, the masterclass offers filmmakers, students, and film enthusiasts an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the creative process behind Hong Kong action cinema.

Hong Kong cinema also takes center stage through the Made in Hong Kong program, which showcases films from the region, including titles associated with Sammo Hung’s career, such as Encounters of the Spooky Kind, Eastern Condors, and The Bodyguard. The program is complemented by the A Tale of Two Cities: Hong Kong x Jakarta exhibition at FX Sudirman, bringing the perspectives of the two cities together through cinema and visual culture.

Beyond its focus on Hong Kong cinema, the JFWNET–Industry Program features a range of activities designed to strengthen the skills and professional networks of film industry practitioners. These include masterclasses with international filmmaker Neo Sora and Jeremie, alongside discussions, project development initiatives, and professional networking sessions.

Through Producers Lab, Pitching Forum, Talents Hub, Industry Talks, and Festival Meeting, the JFWNET–Industry Program provides filmmakers with opportunities to develop ideas, receive professional feedback, build connections, and explore potential collaborations. These initiatives reflect Jakarta Film Week’s commitment not only to bringing films to audiences but also to supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the film industry.

Ali Fikry Invites Audiences to Celebrate Cinema Together

As the Festival Ambassador of Jakarta Film Week 2026, actor Ali Fikry expressed his excitement about being part of the festival and invited audiences to explore the diverse stories and perspectives presented throughout the event.

“Films are more than just stories on a screen. They allow us to discover new perspectives, connect with different experiences, and see the world in new ways. Through this year’s theme, Encounters, I hope audiences will not only discover new films but also meet new ideas, people, and stories that stay with them long after the festival ends,” said Ali Fikry.

Ali also encouraged audiences to attend the festival’s screenings and programs, take part in discussions, and make the most of opportunities to connect with fellow film lovers and filmmakers throughout Jakarta Film Week 2026.

Five Days of Diverse Stories and Programs

This year, Jakarta Film Week offers a diverse range of cinema programs for audiences across generations and disciplines, with something for everyone.

Through Family Time, children and families are invited to do more than watch films. The program actively engages them in discussions and creative activities inspired by the films after the screenings. Herstory explores women’s experiences in their full complexity and layered realities, while also featuring a workshop that invites women in the audience to archive their life stories. Meanwhile, Emergency Broadcast sparks discussions about the relationship between cinema and the political realities of everyday life.

Audiences can also experience immersive cinema through JFW Vision, which features films that can be viewed using virtual reality (VR) technology at the Multipurpose Hall of Taman Ismail Marzuki. Another highlight is the exhibition A Tale of Two Cities: Hong Kong x Jakarta, presented at FX Sudirman as part of a collaboration with Hong Kong.

Jakarta Film Week also presents international collaborations through Hong Kong Gala Presentation: Made in Hong Kong and Italian Screens, featuring films from Hong Kong and Italy. These collaborations offer audiences opportunities to discover cinematic perspectives from different countries, broaden the horizons of Indonesia’s film industry, and strengthen Jakarta’s position as a meeting point for world cinema.

Festival Access for the Public

The public can attend Jakarta Film Week 2026 programs through on-the-spot (OTS) ticketing, subject to availability and the terms of each program. Information on screening schedules, venues, ticket prices, and purchasing procedures is available through the festival’s official channels, Instagram account @jakartafilmweek, and website at www.jakartafilmweek.com.

In addition to in-person screenings, selected Jakarta Film Week 2026 programs are also available online through Vidio. Details on available titles, streaming periods, and access requirements can be found through the festival’s official channels and the Vidio platform.

Jakarta Film Week 2026 runs from October 21–25, 2026. Through the theme Encounters, the festival invites audiences to discover diverse stories and perspectives through cinema while creating opportunities for meaningful connections that contribute to the growth of Jakarta’s film ecosystem.