Europe on Screen 2025 Celebrates 25 Years with Highlights of Inclusivity, Humanist Cinema, and Support for Young Filmmakers

JAKARTA – AswinNews.com | The annual Europe on Screen (EoS) film festival is back with great enthusiasm, celebrating 25 years of its existence as a cultural bridge between Europe and Indonesia. Carrying the theme of inclusivity and diversity of perspectives, EoS 2025 presents more than 50 selected European films that open up space for new voices—especially women and aspiring filmmakers.

A Tickling Opener, a Touching Closing
As the festival opener, the film Circus Boy – Zirkuskind (Germany, 2025) by Julia Lemke and Anna Koch, a touching docu-drama about the life of a traveling circus boy named Santino, was screened. The film not only brings laughter, but also won a Special Mention award at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival and was included in the official selection of Hot Docs 2025.

Meanwhile, to close the festival, the emotional drama film The Boy with Pink Pants – Il Ragazzo dai Pantaloni Rosa (Italy, 2024), by Margherita Ferri, was chosen. Inspired by a true story, this film depicts the bitter reality of bullying experienced by Italian teenager Andrea Spezzacatena. In addition to being a commercial success in its home country, this film also won a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards.

More Than Half of the Films Are Directed by Women
This year, more than 50% of the films screened were directed by women, most of whom were their debut works. This confirms EoS’s commitment to providing a stage for talents who have been underrepresented in the global film industry.

“This year, EoS provides a dynamic platform for female filmmakers,” said Meninaputri Wismurti, Co-Director of the EoS 2025 Festival. “Around 30 of the 55 selected European films are by female directors, reflecting the new face of European cinema that is inclusive and bold.” “From Locarno to Venice”: A Retrospective of Indonesian Talents at World Festivals
A special program titled “From Locarno to Venice” is in the spotlight this year, screening five short films by Indonesian filmmakers that have gone global and won awards at major European festivals, including:

Maryam – Sidi Saleh (Venice 2014, Best Short Film – Orizzonti Award)

Kado – Aditya Ahmad (Venice 2018, Best Short Film – Orizzonti Award)

On the Origin of Fear – Bayu Prihantoro Filemon (Venice 2016)

Dear to Me – Monika Vanesa Tedja (Locarno 2021)

Dancing Colors – Mohammad Reza Fahriyansyah (Locarno 2022)

“When my film screens at Locarno, I am not only showing my work, but also building a cross-country network,” said Monika Vanesa Tedja, filmmaker and winner of the Citra 2024 for best short documentary.

Short Film Pitching Project: Real Support for the New Generation
EoS’ commitment to young filmmakers is once again proven through the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP), a funding competition for short films. This year, the number of applicants increased drastically by 86%, from 197 in 2024 to 373 proposals, 20% of which came from abroad.

“This spike shows that SFPP is starting to be taken into account globally,” said Nauval Yazid, Co-Director of the EoS 2025 Festival. “The interest and enthusiasm of young Indonesian filmmakers to tell stories through short films is getting higher and more competitive.”

10 Finalists of SFPP 2025: Portrait of the Spirit of New Indonesian Cinema
Nina OTW Ngatta – Rahmi Salsabila & Nurul Ghaliyah Gunawan (Makassar)

The Guardian (Echoes of The Universe) – Sesarini & Lyza Anggraheni (Yogyakarta)

Pool Party – Aisyah Aulia & Adrian Fauzi (Sumedang)

Ready, Set, Go – Aaron Pratama & Kathleen Tio (Jakarta)

Salam, Maryam – Beny Kristia & Fathur Syahnuron (Malang)

Kabar Berlaut – Diva Bulan Satria & Gabril H. Wahyan (Pekanbaru)

In The Name of Me – Teresa Katarina & Jonathan Gradiyan (Jakarta)

Indonesian Time Pacific – Dicky K. Abdi & M. Ilham M. Murda (Jayapura)

Pejantan Tangguh – M. Ghalib Firdaus & Aditya R. Sulistyo (Surakarta)

Kala Pada Sekali Kala – Ayara Bhanukusuma & Ahmad Kamil (Jakarta)

Celebrating 25 Years: New Locations and a Grand Opening Night
This year, EoS presents a number of updates, such as new screening locations at:

Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta

Airlangga University, Surabaya (in collaboration with EU Centre)

For the first time since the pandemic, Opening Night will be held in cinemas again on Thursday, June 12, 2025, promising a grand celebration of cinema.

“Road to EoS 2025” and Free Access for All
Since February, EoS has held various Instagram Live sessions and screenings of previous films at a number of campuses and cultural centers such as UPI Bandung, ISI Yogyakarta, ISI Denpasar, and SAE Jakarta.

All EoS 2025 film screenings are free and open to the public, emphasizing the festival’s mission as a space for education, appreciation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Writer: Ine
Editor: Kenzo
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