BALI – Bali Film Forum 2026 highlighted the importance of festival strategy and international networking as key factors in helping Indonesian filmmakers expand their opportunities on the global stage.
Held as part of the 19th edition of the Bali International Film Festival (BALINALE) 2026, the forum brought together filmmakers, producers, documentary storytellers, jurors, and film industry professionals from around the world to discuss how films can access international markets, build professional networks, and increase their chances of being selected by major film festivals.
Taking place at The Meru Sanur, one of the forum’s main sessions, Festival Strategy for Filmmakers, explored the growing importance of understanding the global festival landscape—from identifying the right festivals and submission strategies to building industry relationships that can lead to international collaborations and wider distribution opportunities.
BALINALE Founder and Festival Director Deborah Gabinetti said film festivals today serve a much broader purpose than simply screening films, providing filmmakers with valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and advance their careers internationally.
“BALINALE has always believed that film festivals are much more than places to watch films. They are spaces to meet, learn, build trust, and create new opportunities. Bali Film Forum gives filmmakers the opportunity to better understand how their work can travel further—from the creative process and festival strategy to building relationships within the international film industry,” said Gabinetti.
According to her, understanding festival strategy has become increasingly important as competition within the global film industry continues to grow. Even high-quality films may struggle to reach international audiences without a clear approach to festival participation, promotion, and distribution.
As an international film festival rooted in Bali, BALINALE aims to serve as a bridge connecting Indonesian filmmakers with global industry professionals while strengthening Indonesia’s presence in international film conversations.
Irini Dewi Wanti, Director of Film, Music, and Arts at Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, emphasized that strengthening the national film sector requires a comprehensive ecosystem that supports talent development, production, distribution, festivals, audience development, and international collaboration.
She noted that film plays a critical role in introducing Indonesian perspectives, stories, and cultural values to audiences around the world.
“In a world that is changing rapidly—with the rise of AI, social media, and increasingly complex information flows—narrative has become more important than ever. Film has the power to bring depth, context, empathy, and humanity,” she said.
Meanwhile, actress and producer Marcella Zalianty stressed that the international success of Indonesian films depends not only on the quality of the work itself but also on the strength of the ecosystem supporting filmmakers throughout the value chain.
“Film must thrive within a healthy ecosystem—from talent development, production, financing, distribution, and promotion to cinema access, festivals, communities, and audiences. It takes commitment and discipline to position film as both a cultural force and a sustainable creative business,” said Zalianty.
Bali Film Forum 2026 featured a number of international film professionals, including documentary filmmaker and BALINALE 2026 juror Eros Zhao, award-winning documentary filmmaker Richard Todd, director Frank Pollaro, documentary development executive Denise Castelli, and other industry practitioners.
BALINALE 2026 takes place from June 1–7 in Sanur, Bali, presenting 94 films from 38 countries. The program includes narrative features, documentary features, short films, animation, special screenings, and industry events designed to foster collaboration and professional exchange among filmmakers from around the world.
BALINALE is the first—and currently the only—Academy Award® Qualifying Film Festival in Indonesia. This status provides participating filmmakers with greater international visibility and creates additional pathways for Indonesian films to gain recognition within the global film industry.***
