Iran & Indonesia Movie Week 2025 commerates 75 years of Iran-Indonesia relations

The Indonesian Culture Ministry and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Indonesia together held the Iran & Indonesia Movie Week 2025 film festival.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon said that the festival has a very special meaning, because it also commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Iran.

"This is an achievement that reflects the long-term commitment of our two countries in cooperation, mutual respect, and cultural exchange," said Fadli in a written statement on Feb. 22, 2025.

In his remarks at the festival's opening on Feb. 21 2025, Fadli explained that the influence of Iranian literature, philosophy, and science has reached the Indonesian archipelago since the 17^th century and has helped shape local art and literature traditions. He added that the cultural exchange's legacy continues to develop in a new form, namely through the power of film.

"Film can be a very powerful medium for cultural diplomacy and allows us to share historical narratives, express identities, and build bridges and bring people from various backgrounds closer together," said Fadli.

Fadli observed that the domestic film industry is currently experiencing rapid development. With a record achievement of more than 81 million Indonesian film viewers last year, he noted, the national film ecosystem continues to develop both culturally and economically.

In 2027, the domestic film industry is projected to grow by 6.13 percent per year and contribute Rp156 trillion to Indonesia's gross domestic product.

"I believe that the Iran-Indonesia Film Festival can be an important forum for creative collaboration. I hope this event can encourage filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas, as well as explore new opportunities in collaboration and co-production," said Fadli.

Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi, said that cinema has the capacity to exchange culture.

"When Iran and Indonesia celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, I believe that culture is the most humane aspect of diplomacy supported by both countries. Carrying out joint cinema and film production projects has great potential for highlighting the cultures of both countries," he said.

The festival will encompass screening of eight Iranian and Indonesian films until the end of February 2025. Films from both countries such as "In the Arms of Tree", "Dolphin Boy", "Ibu Ora Sare", "Sweet Squad," and others will be screened at various universities and schools in Indonesia, namely Yogyakarta, Palembang, Banten, Makassar, and Bandung.