Renowned Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho has been elevated to the rank of Officier in France’s prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, marking a new milestone in his decades-long career of artistic innovation and cultural diplomacy. The distinction, awarded on 1 December 2025, acknowledges Nugroho’s profound influence on Indonesian cinema and his enduring role in strengthening Indonesia-France cultural relations.
A Significant Recognition from France
The honor was formally presented by French Ambassador Fabien Penone during the JAFF Market French Night in Yogyakarta, a fitting venue given Nugroho’s deep engagement with the festival ecosystem in Indonesia. The Officier rank—one level higher than his previous Chevalier title granted in 2015—underscores France’s recognition of his sustained creative impact and international reach.
In his remarks, Ambassador Penone praised Nugroho as a “pivotal figure in Southeast Asian cinema” and a visionary whose works have consistently bridged artistic, cultural, and social narratives between Indonesia and France.
A Filmography That Expanded Indonesian Cinema’s Global Footprint
Garin Nugroho first gained global attention with his landmark 1998 film “Daun di Atas Bantal”, the first Indonesian feature ever selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Its inclusion signaled a turning point for Indonesian cinema, opening the door for wider international distribution and critical recognition in France and beyond.
His subsequent works continue to resonate strongly within the French cultural landscape:
- “Memories of My Body” (2018)
Winner of the Montgolfière d’Or at the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, recognized for its daring narrative and exploration of identity. - “Setan Jawa” (2016)
Presented as a cine-concert at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in 2023, blending silent cinema, symphonic orchestra, and gamelan music to showcase Indonesia’s artistic hybridity. - “Samsara” (2024)
A multidisciplinary work combining film, live performance, and Balinese traditions. It earned four Citra Awards, including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Music, and Best Production Design.
These works reflect Nugroho’s signature approach: weaving together Indonesian cultural heritage with universal themes, while often pushing the boundaries of cinematic form.
A Leader in Cultural Development and Regional Film Ecosystems
Beyond his achievements as a filmmaker, Garin Nugroho has played a pivotal role in developing Indonesia’s broader film landscape.
Founder of JAFF and Champion of Industry Collaboration
He established the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), now one of Southeast Asia’s leading film festivals. In 2024, he expanded the initiative with the JAFF Market, designed to foster industry networking, cross-border collaboration, and development opportunities for emerging talent.
Mentorship and Indonesia-France Creative Collaboration
Nugroho remains an active force in nurturing new filmmakers. His leadership in the Indonesia-France Film Lab supports young directors and writers in developing internationally viable projects, deepening artistic exchange between the two countries.
Cultural Programming at GIK UGM
Since 2023, he has overseen cultural programming at GIK UGM, spearheading projects that integrate cinema, community engagement, education, and cultural preservation.
Strengthening Indonesia-France Cultural Relations
France’s recognition of Nugroho as Officier signals not only admiration for his cinematic achievements but also appreciation for his role as a cultural bridge. His ongoing collaborations, festival leadership, and cross-disciplinary artistry continue to deepen bilateral cultural understanding.
As Indonesia’s film industry grows in global prominence, Garin Nugroho stands as both a pioneer and a mentor—an artist whose contributions extend far beyond the screen.
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