EoS 2025 wraps up with SFPP winners’ announcement and the screening of ‘The Boy with Pink Pants’
🖊️ Reporter: Ine
📍 Contributor: Film Festival
🗞️ Editor: Kenzo | ASWINNEWS.COM – Sharp, Accurate, Trustworthy, Balanced, and Up-to-Date
Jakarta, 22 June 2025 —
Europe on Screen (EoS), the annual European Union Film Festival in Indonesia, officially concluded its 25th edition on Sunday, 22 June 2025, at the Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta. The festival continues to serve as a cultural bridge between Europe and Indonesia by showcasing 55 films from 27 European countries across seven cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Denpasar, Medan, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Yogyakarta.
This year’s film selection highlighted the diversity, depth, and humanity of European cinema—presenting reflective, socially engaged, and entertaining stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Teuku Riefky Harsya, along with EU Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Denis Chaibi, Italian Ambassador H.E. Roberto Colaminè, and EoS Festival Co-Directors Meninaputri Wismurti and Nauval Yazid, who shared their reflections on the festival’s silver jubilee.
“Europe on Screen has become the EU’s flagship cultural event in Indonesia. It offers a window into the richness and complexity of European perspectives, not only through grand narratives but also through personal and universal stories that highlight fundamental values,” said H.E. Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Indonesia.
Closing Film Sends a Message of Empathy and Acceptance
The closing film of EoS 2025, “The Boy with Pink Pants” (Il Ragazzo dai Pantaloni Rosa, 2024), directed by Margherita Ferri, is a poignant Italian drama inspired by the true story of Andrea Spezzacatena—a teenager who was bullied for expressing his identity. A critical and commercial success in Italy, the film was an official selection at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2024 and was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the David di Donatello Awards 2025.
“We are honored that this film was chosen to close the festival. We hope it encourages empathy and deeper understanding of diversity and acceptance,” said H.E. Roberto Colaminè, Italian Ambassador to Indonesia.
SFPP 2025: Spotlight on Young Indonesian Filmmakers
The closing event also featured the announcement of the winners of the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP)—a competition that fosters short film development and supports emerging Indonesian filmmakers. This year, 367 proposals were submitted, marking an 86% increase from the previous year, with 30% coming from outside Java—highlighting the growing inclusivity of the program.
Jury panel:
- Damar Ardi, film producer (e.g., Aum!, Romantik Problematik)
- Marlina Machfud, Film Culture Expert, Ministry of Culture, Indonesia
- Sammaria Sari Simanjuntak, director (Cin(T)a, Demi Ucok, Tulang Belulang Tulang)
“Many finalists came from beyond Jakarta, offering fresh and courageous ideas that tackle pressing social issues. This is proof that Indonesian cinema is expanding in reach and depth,” said Sammaria Simanjuntak.
SFPP 2025 Winners:
🥇 First Prize: Sang Penjaga (Echoes of the Universe)
By Sesarini & Lyza Anggraheni (Yogyakarta)
Total prize: IDR 64,000,000
Includes production funding, post-production support from SAE Indonesia, and a 3-day stay at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel.
Judges’ Note:
“A solid, timely, and emotionally resonant project with a unique setting and well-structured production plan.”
🥈 Second Prize: Pool Party
By Aisyah Aulia & Adrian Fauzi (Sumedang)
Total prize: IDR 40,000,000
Judges’ Note:
“A touching depiction of family life during the pandemic. Simple yet profound, with light-hearted humor and emotional depth.”
🥉 Third Prize: In The Name of Me
By Teresa Katarina & Jonathan Gradiyan (Jakarta)
Total prize: IDR 30,000,000
Judges’ Note:
“Honest and heartfelt storytelling that bravely explores inclusivity, identity, and the courage to love oneself.”
⭐ Special Jury Mention: Waktu Indonesia Bagian Pasifik
By Dicky Karunia Abdi & M. Ilham Mustain Murda (Jayapura)
A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Film Development
“The SFPP is a platform for young Indonesians to express their creativity while facilitating knowledge exchange with European cinema. Since 2018, we’ve supported 20 Indonesian short films. We’re proud of the growth,” said Meninaputri Wismurti, Co-Director of EoS.
“Several SFPP films have been screened at international festivals. We aim to keep improving quality and strengthening EoS’s commitment to sustainable cinema,” added Nauval Yazid, Co-Director.
Final Words: Beyond Films—Building Bridges
Ultimately, Europe on Screen 2025 proves to be more than a film festival. It is a celebration of cinema as a tool for empathy, diversity, cultural connection, and storytelling that transcends borders. Through powerful narratives, EoS amplifies voices that deserve to be heard—especially from the next generation of filmmakers.
