Film enthusiasts in Indonesia will once again have the opportunity to experience acclaimed international cinema through Jakarta World Cinema (JWC) 2026. Now entering its fifth edition, JWC serves as a meeting point for filmmakers, communities, and audiences, showcasing films from around the world alongside discussions, Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and other film programs. The festival will take place from 31 October to 7 November 2026, with in-person screenings at CGV Grand Indonesia and online screenings available through KlikFilm.
Among the titles featured in this year’s lineup is Fjord, directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu. The film follows Mihai and Lisbeth Gheorghiu, who leave Romania with their children after the deaths of Mihai’s parents and relocate to a remote Norwegian village. Their hopes for a fresh start begin to unravel when their young daughter, Elia, arrives at school covered in bruises. Starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, the film explores family, belonging, and the tensions that can emerge beneath an apparently peaceful new life.
Another highly anticipated title is All of a Sudden, the latest work from Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, known for Drive My Car. The 196-minute film centres on Marie-Lou, a director of an elderly care facility in France, and Mari, a Japanese theatre director battling cancer. Their encounter develops into a profound friendship as they confront questions of dignity, care, and mortality. The film earned its actresses Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto a joint Best Actress award at Cannes 2026.
Meanwhile, Naza offers a stark documentary perspective. Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, two of the filmmakers behind the Oscar-winning No Other Land, the film examines the systems behind Israel’s military campaign in Gaza through investigative material and testimony. It premiered in competition at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, where it received the Special Jury Prize.
For horror fans, Inherit brings a distinctly Thai supernatural story to the festival. Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, best known for Shutter, Pee Mak, and The Medium, the film follows a wealthy family whose seemingly perfect world begins to collapse when an ancient centipede spirit enters their bloodline. The film also reunites Pisanthanakun with Davika Hoorne, who previously starred in Pee Mak.
With films spanning intimate drama, international arthouse cinema, documentary, and horror, JWC 2026 offers Jakarta audiences a chance to encounter stories that might otherwise remain beyond the mainstream theatrical circuit.
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