The vibrant Jakarta World Cinema festival, now in its fifth edition, inaugurated its program at CGV Grand Indonesia, setting the stage for an expansive showcase of global cinema. Headlining the opening night was "Fjord" (also known as "R.M.N."), a thought-provoking drama directed by Romania's Cristian Mungiu, a director previously honored with the prestigious Palme d'Or for his 2007 film "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days."
"Fjord" has garnered attention for its incisive social commentary, with Romania’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Dan Adrian Bălănescu, expressing pride in the film. Bălănescu noted the film's selection as Romania’s official submission for the international feature Oscar at the 2027 Academy Awards, hoping it would resonate deeply with Indonesian audiences. The ambassador also highlighted the film's polarizing reception, citing director Mungiu's own candid remarks on filmmaking and societal values. Mungiu was quoted in a Romanian interview stating, “There’s no bravery in making a movie that defends progressive left-wing values. It’s outright provincial and opportunistic.”
A highlight of the festival's opening was the presence of Tudor Vladimir Panduru, "Fjord"'s cinematographer, who served as the festival's exclusive masterclass guest. Panduru shared insights into his collaborative process with Mungiu, marking "Fjord" as their third project together, following "Graduation" and "R.M.N." — notably, their first venture shot outside Romania and in languages other than Romanian, specifically English and Norwegian.
During his masterclass, Panduru elaborated on the film's thematic depth, encouraging viewers to engage with its challenging narrative. "This film speaks about different values and perspectives in our world," Panduru explained, emphasizing its importance "to understand how to be a better person in the society we live in.” His session offered a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the lens, revealing how visual storytelling can provoke introspection and dialogue.
The Jakarta World Cinema festival boasts an impressive slate of 207 titles from 69 countries, with 102 films exclusively screening in theaters. For those unable to attend in person, online streaming commenced on KlikFilm on October 6. The diverse program includes 120 award-winning films from major festivals worldwide, with Asian cinema contributing 96 titles and women directors helming 41 features. Among the selections are 20 official entries for the international feature category at the 99th Academy Awards. The festival is slated to conclude on November 7 with the screening of the Thai horror film “Inherit.”