Jakarta World Cinema to Revive First Feature Competition with International Jury in 2026

Jakarta World Cinema, the Indonesian festival, plans to reinstate its First Feature Competition for its next edition, opening submissions to filmmakers worldwide after a hiatus this year. The competition was paused due to challenges in assembling an international jury, as previous editions relied solely on Indonesian judges. Festival organizers aim to bring a global perspective to the competition, reflecting a broader trend among Asian festivals to attract international talent and boost their global standing. The move is expected to draw more diverse entries and elevate the festival’s profile on the world stage. With the revival, emerging filmmakers will have a new platform to showcase their debut works, and audiences can anticipate a richer lineup of fresh voices from around the globe.