Eyewitness – SANUR
June 3, 2026
The Bali International Film Festival (BALINALE) continues to solidify its role as a premier meeting point for Indonesian and international filmmakers, jury members, and industry professionals through the Bali Film Forum 2026, held at The Meru Sanur. As an integral part of the 19th edition of BALINALE 2026, the forum serves as an industry platform designed to foster deeper conversations regarding festival strategies, the power of narrative, international networking, and the vital role of film within the cultural ecosystem and creative economy.
This year, the Bali Film Forum features two main sessions: “Festival Strategy for Filmmakers” and “Importance of Narrative in a Post-Truth World.” Both themes underscore the necessity for filmmakers to not only create meaningful work but also understand how their films can find the right audience, navigate appropriate festival circuits, build professional networks, and elevate local stories to the global stage.
The forum brings together esteemed filmmakers, producers, documentarians, and jury members, including Eros Zhao, a documentary filmmaker and BALINALE 2026 jury member; Misha Novak, representing Grappling Grace; Marcella Zalianty, actress, producer, and cultural activist; Richard Todd, an award-winning documentary filmmaker; Frank Pollaro, director of The Madness of Moonlight; and Denise Castelli, a documentary executive. The forum sessions are moderated by Richard Halstead.
In her opening remarks, Irini Dewi Wanti, S.S., M.SP., Director of Film, Music, and Media at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized the strategic role of film in advancing culture.
She added that the Ministry of Culture recognizes the importance of strengthening the comprehensive film, music, and arts ecosystem, spanning talent development, production, curation, distribution, festivals, audience development, to international collaboration.
”In a rapidly changing world, accelerated by the presence of AI, social media, and increasingly complex information flows, narrative becomes ever more crucial. Film holds the power to deliver depth, context, empathy, and humanity,” she added.
Deborah Gabinetti, Founder and Festival Director of BALINALE, stated that the Bali Film Forum is a vital component of BALINALE’s commitment to move beyond film screenings and support the growth of filmmakers as well as the broader industry ecosystem.
”BALINALE has always believed that a film festival is more than just a place to watch movies. It is a space to meet, learn, build trust, and create new opportunities. The Bali Film Forum provides a chance for filmmakers to understand how their work can progress further—from the creative process and festival strategies to building connections with the international industry,” said Deborah Gabinetti.
She also noted that as an international film festival born in Bali, BALINALE aims to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global cinematic conversation.
Marcella Zalianty—actress, producer, CEO of Keana Film, Chairperson of PARFI 56, and initiator of Indiskop/Independent Cinema—emphasized that Indonesian cinema needs to be strengthened as a complete creative business ecosystem.
”Film must thrive within a healthy ecosystem—ranging from talent development, production, funding, distribution, promotion, cinema access, festivals, communities, to the audience itself. It requires commitment and discipline to position film as both a cultural force and a sustainable creative business,” Marcella stated.
BALINALE 2026 takes place from June 1–7, 2026, in Sanur, Bali, with programs centered at ICON Bali Mall, Cinema XXI, The Meru Sanur, and the Bali Beach Hotel. This 19th edition showcases 94 films from 38 countries, spanning Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Short Narratives, Short Documentaries, Short Animations, special screenings, the 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 remains committed to presenting quality films, opening international opportunities for filmmakers, and supporting the growth of Indonesia’s creative industry.
BALINALE expresses its appreciation to all partners, speakers, filmmakers, jury members, communities, volunteers, and committee members who have supported the organization of this year’s festival.
Official partners of BALINALE 2026 include the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dana Indonesiana, LPDP, the Bali Provincial Government, the Badung Regency Government, the Denpasar City Government, ICON Bali as the official venue partner, Cinema XXI as the official cinema partner, The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel as official hotel partners, alongside all partners and communities that have been part of the BALINALE journey.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
