The 2025 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) features fierce competition among some of the country's most prominent filmmakers. According to the official announcement from the 2025 FFI Committee, two films, Pengepungan di Bukit Duri by Joko Anwar and The Shadow Strays by Timo Tjahjanto, are leading the nominations with 12 each.
Both titles are competing head-to-head in major categories such as Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Their dominance underscores Joko and Timo’s positions as two of the most acclaimed directors of the year.
Meanwhile, Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan by Yandy Laurens secured 8 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film further cements Yandy’s reputation as a filmmaker known for emotionally resonant storytelling and strong visual language.
Ryan Adriandhy’s Jumbo, recognized as the highest-grossing animated film in Indonesian history, also made a strong impression with 7 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. This achievement highlights the growing recognition of animated films as an integral part of the national cinema landscape.
Other notable contenders include Pangku by Reza Rahadian, Perang Kota by Mouly Surya, and Gowok Kamasutra Jawa by Hanung Bramantyo, which each earned multiple nominations in various technical and artistic categories, enriching this year’s competition.
Read also: Complete Nomination List for the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival
Jury and Selection Process
FFI 2025 involved 13 professional film associations in Indonesia in the nomination selection process, which took place from September 28 to October 13, 2025. Jury evaluations were conducted through the FFI Screening Room platform in collaboration with Bioskop Online, combining qualitative assessments through discussions with quantitative evaluations via voting and scoring.
Budi Irawanto, Head of the 2025 FFI Jury Division, explained that this approach aims to ensure objective and expertise-based assessments.
70 Years of FFI
The year 2025 marks a special milestone as the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) celebrates its 70th anniversary since its inaugural event in 1955. This year’s theme, “Puspawarna Sinema Indonesia” (The Spectrum of Indonesian Cinema), reflects the rich diversity of the nation’s cinematic expressions, spanning languages, cultures, and storytelling styles.
Ahmad Mahendra, Director General of Cultural Development, Utilization, and Empowerment (PPPK), emphasized that FFI is more than just an award ceremony for the best films.
“FFI is a celebration of the long journey of national cinema — one that captures history, builds empathy, and strengthens our national identity,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting FFI as an essential part of Indonesia’s growing and globally competitive film ecosystem.
Towards the 2025 Citra Awards Night
The pinnacle of the Indonesian Film Festival 2025, the Citra Awards Night, will be held on November 20, 2025, and broadcast live on the Indonesian Film Festival YouTube channel, the Ministry of Culture’s official platforms, and Indonesiana TV.
This prestigious night will not only reveal the recipients of Indonesia’s highest film honors but also mark a new chapter in the diversity and advancement of Indonesian cinema.
