TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian short documentary, 'Mama Jo,' won the prestigious "Best Short Documentary" award at the Golden FEMI Film Festival, held at the Balkan Palace Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 7, 2025. The film is directed by Ineu Rahmawati.
The award was received on behalf of the filmmaker by the Charge d'Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia, Irvan Fachrizal. This year's Golden FEMI Film Festival was attended by Bulgaria's Vice President, Iliana Iotova, members of the jury, filmmakers, and other invited guests.
Ineu expressed gratitude to the festival organizers, the jury, and the audience for the appreciation towards 'Mama Jo,' through an official message delivered during the event, as she was unable to attend due to logistical constraints.
'Mama Jo' tells a touching story about Santi, a resilient Indonesian mother, and her 9-year-old son Johan, who lives with cerebral palsy.
Through this documentary, Ineu aims to voice the often-overlooked reality of the struggles and resilience of families with disabilities, not only in Indonesia, but also worldwide.
"This film is a reminder that inclusion, access, and dignity are universal rights that we must uphold together," said Ineu, as quoted from the official release of the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia.
According to the embassy, the Indonesian government has taken various significant steps in recent years to fulfill the rights of children with disabilities, including in terms of access to education, healthcare services, and inclusive social support.
This award also reflects the rising international appreciation for Indonesian cinema. In 2024, the number of domestic film viewers reached 68.95 million, the highest in the 98-year history of Indonesian cinema. By 2025, there were 2,088 movie screens across Indonesia, and 60 percent of the total audience preferred to watch local films.
The Indonesian Embassy in Sofia believes that the award is more than just a box office achievement, as it encompasses a cultural movement that signifies the resurgence of original stories and films that voice various aspects of humanity.
Analysts project that the Indonesian film industry will grow by 20 percent until 2027, driven by high demand for documentaries, animations, and authentic stories, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
"From fictional narratives to documentaries that voice social awareness like 'Mama Jo,' Indonesian filmmakers are increasingly showing their courage to speak for the unseen, the marginalized, and the strength of the human spirit in all its complexity," said Ineu.
The Best Short Documentary award in Sofia is proof that films can bridge cross-cultural understanding and foster deep empathy internationally.
The documentary film 'Mama Jo' is planned to be screened at the Sofia University Film Club in the near future.
Editor’s Choice: Synopsis of No Other Land, Winner of the 2025 Oscar, Sheds Light on Life in Palestine
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Here Are the Countries Screening the Film Jumbo
1 hari lalu
After achieving great success domestically, Indonesia's animated film Jumbo is now being screened internationally starting from June 2025.
HBO Harry Potter Series: Get to Know the New 3 Cast Members
8 hari lalu
HBO announces three new main cast members for the Harry Potter series adapted from the fantasy novel by J.K. Rowling
KlikFilm Brings Cannes 2025 Award-Winning Films to Indonesian Audiences
12 hari lalu
KlikFIlm said that showcasing Cannes-winning films reflects their dedication to bringing the most talked-about international cinema to local viewers.
Where Was Harry Potter Filmed? See 11 Iconic Real-Life Wizarding Sites
12 hari lalu
Explore the real-life Harry Potter filming locations that brought Hogwarts and its wonders to life.
5 Epic Filming Locations from 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning', From Norway to South Africa
12 hari lalu
The film Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning showcases stunning locations around the world, including South Africa, Malta, and Norway.
Michael Jackson Movie Release Date Postponed
13 hari lalu
The Michael Jackson film was initially set to be released on October 3, 2025, and then rescheduled for a premiere in 2026
New Jurassic World: Rebirth Trailer Teases Deadlier Dinosaurs, Darker Plot
14 hari lalu
Jurassic World Rebirth set five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion which aired in 2022.
Indonesian Actress Elvira Devinamira Shines at Cannes 2025 with International Film Debut
17 hari lalu
Elvira Devinamira shines on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Here is her brief profile and career journey.
Garin Nugroho Unveils New Film 'Spirit of the Kantil' at Cannes 2025
17 hari lalu
Garin Nugroho and Robby Ertanto introduce 'Spirit of the Kantil', a mystical drama set in 1950s Java, at the Cannes Film Festival market in 2025.
'Guitar Man': Kim Sae Ron's Final Film to Premiere on May 30
19 hari lalu
'Guitar Man,' the last film of Kim Sae Ron before her passing, will premiere on May 30, 2025.
