DENPASAR, Bali (BPN) – The Bali International Film Festival (BALINALE) continues to strengthen its role as a meeting point for Indonesian filmmakers, international filmmakers, jury members, and industry professionals through the Bali Film Forum 2026, held at The Meru Sanur.
As part of the 19th edition of BALINALE 2026, the forum served as an industry platform designed to open deeper conversations on festival strategy, the power of narrative, international networking, and the role of film as an essential part of the cultural and creative ecosystem.
This year, Bali Film Forum presented two main sessions: “Festival Strategy for Filmmakers” and “Importance of Narrative in a Post-Truth World.”
These themes highlighted the importance for filmmakers not only to create meaningful works, but also to understand how their films can find the right audience, enter the right festivals, build professional relationships, and bring local stories into the global space.
The forum brought together respected filmmakers, producers, documentary voices, and jury members, including Eros Zhao, documentary filmmaker and BALINALE 2026 jury member; Misha Novak, representing Grappling Grace; actress, producer, and cultural advocate Marcella Zalianty; award-winning documentary filmmaker Richard Todd; Frank Pollaro, the director of The Madness of Moonlight; documentary development executive Denise Castelli; The sessions were moderated by Richard Halstead.
In her opening remarks, Irini Dewi Wanti, S.S., M.SP., Director of Film, Music, and Arts at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized the strategic role of film in cultural advancement.
She added that the Ministry of Culture sees the importance of strengthening the film, music, and arts ecosystem as a whole, from talent development, production, curation, distribution, festivals, audience development, to international collaboration.
“In a rapidly changing world, including the rise of AI, social media, and increasingly complex flows of information, narrative becomes even more important. Film has the power to bring depth, context, empathy, and humanity,” she added.
Deborah Gabinetti, Founder and Festival Director of BALINALE, stated that Bali Film Forum is an important part of BALINALE’s commitment to go beyond film screenings and support the growth of filmmakers and the wider industry ecosystem.
“BALINALE has always believed that a film festival is a place to meet, learn, build trust, and create new opportunities. Bali Film Forum gives filmmakers the chance to understand how their works can travel further – from the creative process and festival strategy to building relationships with the international industry,” said Deborah Gabinetti.
She further noted that, as an international film festival growing from Bali, BALINALE aims to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global film conversation.
Marcella Zalianty, actress, producer, CEO of Keana Film, Chairwoman of PARFI 56, and initiator of Indiskop/Bioskop Independen, emphasized that Indonesian cinema must be strengthened as a complete creative business ecosystem.
“Film must live within a healthy ecosystem – from talent development, production, financing, distribution, promotion, cinema access, festivals, communities, and audiences. We commitment and discipline to value as a cultural force and a sustainable creative business,” said Marcella.
BALINALE 2026 takes place from 1–7 June 2026 in Sanur, Bali, with programs centered at ICON Bali Mall, Cinema XXI, The Meru Sanur, and Bali Beach Hotel.
The 19th edition presents 94 films from 38 countries, including works across Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Narrative, Short Documentary, Short Animation, special screenings, Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, Opening Night Film, Closing Night Film, and industry programs.
As Indonesia’s first and only Academy Award® Qualifying Film Festival, BALINALE continues its commitment to presenting quality films, opening international opportunities for filmmakers, and supporting the growth of Indonesia’s creative industry.
