Cristian Mungiu’s Palme d’Or-winning “Fjord” opened the fifth edition of Jakarta World Cinema at CGV Grand Indonesia, placing Romania’s submission for the international feature Oscar at the 2027 Academy Awards at the center of the festival’s launch.

Romania’s ambassador to Indonesia, Dan Adrian Bălănescu, introduced the film with pride and expressed hope that its themes would connect with audiences in Indonesia. He also acknowledged the sharply divided critical conversation surrounding Mungiu’s work.

“Many critics have criticized and accused the director, Cristian Mungiu, for, as they put it, flirting with conservative ideas,” Bălănescu said. “But at the same time, many critics have praised the film for being a courageous critique at the contemporary Western society.”

The ambassador also cited a Romanian interview in which Mungiu addressed the politics of filmmaking directly. “There’s no bravery in making a movie that defends progressive left-wing values,” the director said in the quoted interview. “It’s outright provincial and opportunistic.”

A New Chapter in a Continuing Collaboration

“Fjord” cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru attended Jakarta World Cinema as the festival’s only masterclass guest. Speaking to the audience, Panduru explained that the movie represents his third collaboration with Mungiu following “Graduation” and “R.M.N.”

The production also marked two firsts for their creative partnership: It was the first film they had shot outside Romania and the first made in languages other than Romanian. “Fjord” was filmed in English and Norwegian.

For Panduru, the film’s value lies in the questions raised by its competing viewpoints.

“This film speaks about different values and perspectives in our world,” he said. “So I think watching this film is important to answer a few questions for yourself, and to understand how to be a better person in the society we live in.”

Those comments, together with the ambassador’s description of the critical debate, framed “Fjord” as an opening-night selection built to provoke discussion rather than offer audiences an uncomplicated position.

Jakarta World Cinema by the Numbers

The festival’s fifth edition is presenting 207 titles from 69 countries. Of those films, 102 are screening exclusively in theaters, while online streaming began Oct. 6 through KlikFilm.

The program carries a substantial awards pedigree. A total of 120 selections have received prizes at major festivals, and 20 are official international feature entries for the 99th Academy Awards.

Asian cinema accounts for 96 films in the lineup, while 41 of the selected titles were directed by women. The figures give the event a broad international scope while maintaining a significant presence for filmmaking from across Asia.

ShowBiz Take

Opening Jakarta World Cinema with “Fjord” gives the festival an immediate combination of prestige and debate. The film arrives not only as a Palme d’Or winner but also as Romania’s choice for the international feature race at the 2027 Academy Awards.

Just as importantly, the opening presentation did not sidestep the conflicting responses to Mungiu’s perspective. Bălănescu openly addressed the criticism and praise surrounding the film, while Panduru emphasized its exploration of values, social behavior and differing points of view.

That makes “Fjord” a fitting introduction to a program in which 120 of 207 titles have already won awards at major festivals and 20 carry official international feature status. Jakarta World Cinema is using its opening film to establish the tone of an event focused on internationally recognized work, theatrical presentation and stories intended to generate conversation.

What Happens Next?

Jakarta World Cinema continues with its 207-title program across theatrical screenings and streaming on KlikFilm. The festival will conclude Nov. 7 with the Thai horror film “Inherit.”