The European Union Film Festival in Indonesia, Europe on Screen (EoS) 2026, officially opened on 4 June 2026 in Jakarta, featuring 55 films from 28 European countries. The festival, now in its 26th edition, runs until 14 June across eight Indonesian cities and offers free screenings to the public.
Opening film and festival highlights
The festival opened with the Belgian comedy-drama "The Baronesses" (Les Baronnes), directed by Mokhtaria Badaoui and Nabil Ben Yadir. The film, which won Best Film in the Rebels with a Cause category at the 2025 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, follows elderly women in Brussels pursuing long-forgotten dreams through a theatre performance. Belgian Ambassador to Indonesia Frank Felix expressed pride in the selection, noting the film's warm and relatable story about courage and self-discovery.
Support for emerging Indonesian filmmakers
EoS 2026 also premieres winning short films from the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP), supported by the EU Delegation, the Indonesian Ministry of Culture, and SAE Institute. This year's winners are "Echoes of The Unseen" (Sang Penjaga) by Sesarini and Lyza Anggraheni, "Pool Party" by Aisyah Aulia and Adrian Fauzi, and "In the Name of Me" by Teresa Katarina and Jonathan Gradiyan. Endah T.D. Retnoastuti, Director General for Cultural Diplomacy at the Indonesian Ministry of Culture, highlighted the platform's role in strengthening cultural exchange.
International guests and industry engagement
The festival welcomes Irish director Damian McCann, whose film "Aontas" (Union) premiered at the 2025 Galway Film Fleadh, and Filipina actress Zar Donato, star of the Cypriot production "Maricel" (2025). Both will participate in Q&A sessions. Festival Co-Director Meninaputri Wismurti emphasized the value of direct exchanges between audiences and international filmmakers.
Stakeholder impact and cultural diplomacy
The festival benefits Indonesian audiences by providing free access to diverse European cinema, fostering cultural understanding and empathy. It also supports emerging Indonesian filmmakers through the SFPP, offering financing and exposure. European film industries gain visibility in Southeast Asia, while the EU strengthens cultural ties with Indonesia. The event involves minimal regulatory or economic impact, focusing instead on soft power and cultural exchange.
No prior coverage of this festival edition exists in the available records.