JAKARTA, INDONESIA – The Indian Film Festival (IFF) 2025 is set to make waves as it welcomes its audiences to the vibrant world of Bollywood from February 7 to 9, 2025. This inaugural event, hosted by the Indian Embassy, will take place across three cities: Jakarta, Bali, and Medan, providing fans of Indian cinema through various mediums.
The festival's uniqueness lies not only in its film selections but also in its inclusive approach. According to Sandeep Chakravorty, the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, this festival is different from others because of the dubbing process. "Berbeda dengan festival film lainnya, kali ini kami membuat sulih suara bagi yang tidak mengerti bahasa Indonesia. Jadi, akan dapat menarik perhatian penonton yang tidak mengerti bahasa Inggris" he explained, emphasizing the initiative to attract audiences unfamiliar with English.
With strong historical and cultural ties, both Indonesia and India celebrate this shared love of film. The festival features critically acclaimed films such as the heartwarming "English Vinglish," starring the late Sridevi, and "Baaram," which depicts the mysterious case of a night watchman's tragic death. These films represent the richness of Indian cinema, promising emotional storytelling and cultural depth.
Highlighting the cultural connections, Anindita Kusuma Listya of the Indonesian government reminisced about her childhood when she first encountered Bollywood films. "Ketika mendengar lagu Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, saya ingin bercerita... tidak tahu bahasanya dan menganggap omongan Rahul dan Anjali mereka layaknya sebuah pidato," she shared during her welcome address at the festival’s inauguration.
The festival not only aims to entertain but also to reinforce cultural bonds as seen through the recently signed Cultural Exchange Program for 2025-2028 between the two nations. Chakravorty noted the significance of these endeavors, showcasing how the arts can serve as bridges between cultures.
Gope T Samtani, the CEO of Rapi Films, also pointed to the festival's accessibility. He noted, "Film ini bisa diputar di bioskop untuk umum biar rakyat bisa menikmati film India pakai bahasa Indonesia," highlighting how the event is not just for elite audiences but for all Indonesian viewers. This thoughtful approach ensures broader reach and appreciation of Indian films.
Adding to the excitement, Ayu Azhari, who voices the character Shashi from "English Vinglish," expressed her enthusiasm about participating as a dubber. "Sangat mengesankan... Sridevi memang aktris yang sangat hebat, luar biasa," she stated, reflecting on the challenges and joys of bringing such beloved characters to life for local audiences.
This festival is expected to significantly boost interest among Indonesian audiences toward Indian cinema, creating pathways for future collaboration. The collaboration could involve more indigenous casting from Indonesia, strengthening ties and allowing for diversified storytelling.
With this unprecedented event, the outlook for Indian cinema within Indonesia's artistic sphere appears promising. Encouraging cultural exchange through vibrant celebrations of film, the IFF 2025 not only marks an exciting chapter but also holds the potential to deepen the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia, enriching the cultural fabric of both nations for years to come.