Acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho has been elevated to the rank of Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France‘s Ministry of Culture, receiving one of the country’s highest cultural distinctions in recognition of his contributions to cinema.
French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, Fabien Penone, presented the decoration to Nugroho during the JAFF Market French Night at the Institut français d’Indonésie in Yogyakarta. The filmmaker had previously been named Chevalier in the order in 2015.
Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to culture in France and globally. The elevation acknowledges Nugroho’s decades-long career shaping Indonesian cinema and expanding its international presence.
Nugroho made history in 1998 when his film “Daun di Atas Bantal” became the first Indonesian feature selected for the Cannes Film Festival, screening in the Un Certain Regard section. The milestone opened doors for Indonesian cinema in France and internationally.
His work has maintained strong resonance with French audiences and institutions. “Memories of My Body” won the Montgolfière d’Or at the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes in 2018. In 2023, the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac hosted a presentation of “Setan Jawa” as a large-scale cine-concert featuring symphonic orchestra and gamelan ensemble.
The collaboration continues with “Daun di Atas Bantal” set to open the Panorama of Indonesian Cinema event at the Cinémathèque française in Paris on Dec. 10. The major retrospective will showcase several decades of Indonesian filmmaking and bring prominent Indonesian directors to the French capital.
Nugroho’s latest film, “Samsara” (2024), blends cinema, live music, Balinese tradition and contemporary forms. The hybrid work earned four Citra Awards in 2024, including best director, cinematography, music and production design.
Beyond filmmaking, Nugroho founded the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), Indonesia’s leading independent film festival. He launched the JAFF Market in 2024 as the festival’s first film industry platform. His collaboration with France has facilitated initiatives including the Indonesia-France Film Lab, which pairs emerging Indonesian filmmakers with French industry professionals for mentorship.
Since 2023, Nugroho has served as head of cultural programming at GIK UGM, where he develops projects connecting culture with education, creation and public engagement, often in partnership with the French Embassy.
“Garin Nugroho’s cinematic work as well as his leadership within Indonesia’s cultural landscape, have made him one of the most influential figures of Southeast Asian cinema,” said Penone. “Thanks to his deep engagement with France, he has strengthened the ties between our film communities and reinforced the cultural cooperation between our two countries.”
Nugroho’s debut feature, “Cinta dalam Sepotong Roti,” was released in 1990.
variety.com
#Indonesias #Garin #Nugroho #Elevated #Higher #Rank #France #Arts #Honor
