The film industry is a sub-sector of the creative economy that continues to experience growth. This is evidenced by the success of numerous Indonesian films that have graced cinema screens and attracted the attention of film lovers at home and abroad.

The quality of Indonesian films deserves high appreciation. More and more films by local filmmakers are being recognized and triumphing with various awards at international film festivals.

Here are ten Indonesian films that have triumphed at international film festivals in the last five years:

Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Marlina, The Murderer in Four Acts: 2017)

This Indonesian film, set on the island of Sumba, has won many awards at international film festivals, including the Sitges Film Festival, Tokyo FILMeX, Asia-Pacific Film Festival, Five Flavors Asian Film Festival, and the QCinema International Film Festival.

Pengabdi Setan (Satan's Slave: 2017)

Directed by Joko Anwar, this gripping and thrilling film won the “Best Horror Film” title at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival and the Overlook Film Festival.

Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (Memories of My Body: 2018)

Directed by Garin Nugroho, this film won several awards, including the 2018 Venice Independent Film Critic, the 2018 Asia Pacific Screen Awards in the “Cultural Diversity Award” category, and the “Best Picture” from the 2019 International Cinephile Awards.

Sekala Niskala (2018)

Directed by Kamila Andini, this touching story about twin brothers won the "Best Feature" award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Tokyo FILMeX 2017. It also won the "International Feature Fiction Competition" award at the 2018 Adelaide International Film Festival in Australia.

Gundala (2019)

Directed by Joko Anwar, this local superhero-themed film was screened in the "Midnight Madness" program at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2019 Paris International Fantastic Film Festival (PIFFF).

Yuni (2021)

Directed by Kamila Andini, this 1 hour 35 minute film tells the story of a teenage girl who struggles to achieve her dreams. It won the "Platform Prize" award at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and premiered at the 2021 Busan International Film Festival.

Penyalin Cahaya (Photocopier: 2021) 

Directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, this relatively new film received recognition domestically and a positive response from foreign film lovers. It was also shown at the 2021 Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.

Laut Memanggilku (The Sea Calls for Me: 2021)

Directed by Tumpal Tampubolon, this short film tells the story of a fisherman's son who finds a doll on the beach and makes it his friend and substitute parent. It won the Sonje Award at the 2021 Busan International Film Festival as “Best Short Film”.

Dear To Me (2021)

Directed by Monica Vanesa Tedja, this short film was screened at the Locarno International Film Festival in the “Open Door Screenings” section in August 2021. Initially only intended as Monica's final project, it won an award at the First Step Awards 2021 as “Best Short and Animated Film ”.

Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas (Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash: 2021)

Another Indonesian film that has triumphed in the international market is "Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas." This local film, directed by Edwin, manages to package sensitive issues such as toxic masculinity, sexual violence, and abuse of power in a very neat way.

With a duration of 114 minutes, "Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas" managed to win an award in the "Golden Leopard" category of the international competition (Concorso Internazionale) at the 2021 Locarno International Film Festival.