Indonesian Director Garin Nugroho Honored with Higher Rank in France’s Arts Community

Renowned Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho has been promoted to Officier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres by Frances Ministry of Culture, one of the nations most prestigious cultural awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cinema. The honor was presented by Fabien Penone, French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, during the JAFF Market French Night at the Institut franais dIndonsie in Yogyakarta. Nugroho had previously been appointed Chevalier in 2015.

Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters celebrates individuals whose work has made remarkable cultural impacts in France and worldwide. Nugrohos promotion acknowledges his decades-long influence on Indonesian cinema and his role in raising its international profile.

He made history in 1998 when his film Daun di Atas Bantal became the first Indonesian feature to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival, screening in the Un Certain Regard section. This milestone opened new avenues for Indonesian films in France and across the globe. His works continue to resonate with French audiences and institutions. In 2018, Memories of My Body won the Montgolfire dOr at the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes. In 2023, Setan Jawa was presented at the Muse du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac as a large-scale cine-concert featuring a symphonic orchestra and gamelan ensemble. Furthermore, Daun di Atas Bantal is scheduled to open the Panorama of Indonesian Cinema at the Cinmathque franaise in Paris on December 10, showcasing several decades of Indonesian filmmaking.

Nugrohos most recent project, Samsara (2024), combines cinema with live music, Balinese traditions, and contemporary forms. The hybrid film won four Citra Awards in 2024, including Best Director, Cinematography, Music, and Production Design.

Beyond directing, Nugroho founded the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), Indonesias foremost independent film festival. In 2024, he launched the JAFF Market, the festivals first industry-focused platform. His collaborations with France include the Indonesia-France Film Lab, a mentorship program pairing emerging Indonesian filmmakers with French industry professionals.

Since 2023, Nugroho has led cultural programming at GIK UGM, creating initiatives that connect culture with education, creation, and public engagement, often in collaboration with the French Embassy. Ambassador Penone stated, Garin Nugrohos cinematic work and cultural leadership have made him one of the most influential figures in Southeast Asian cinema. His close ties with France have strengthened collaboration between our film communities and reinforced cultural exchange between our countries.

Nugrohos debut feature, Cinta dalam Sepotong Roti, was released in 1990, marking the start of a prolific career that continues to shape Indonesian and international cinema.

Author: Sophia Brooks