Who is Garin Nugroho and why did France honor him?

Garin Nugroho is a renowned Indonesian filmmaker recognized by France for his significant contributions to cinema and culture.

What is the Order of Arts and Letters in France?

It's one of France's highest cultural distinctions, awarded to individuals for exceptional contributions to arts and literature in France and globally.

What is the significance of Garin Nugroho's Cannes Film Festival achievement?

His 1998 film 'Daun di Atas Bantal' was the first Indonesian feature selected for Cannes, marking a historic moment for Indonesian cinema.

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Indonesia's Garin Nugroho Honored by France

2 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Filmmaker Garin Nugroho received France's Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Nugroho previously received the Chevalier rank in 2015.
He founded the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF).

Indonesia's Garin Nugroho Honored by France

Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho has been honored with the prestigious Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France's Ministry of Culture. This distinguished award acknowledges his profound impact on cinema and its global reach. Nugroho, initially recognized as a Chevalier in 2015, has now been elevated, celebrating decades of shaping Indonesian film.

His groundbreaking work includes "Daun di Atas Bantal," the first Indonesian feature at Cannes in 1998. Nugroho's films have consistently resonated in France, with "Memories of My Body" winning the Montgolfière d'Or in 2018. His latest, "Samsara" (2024), garnered four Citra Awards, including best director.

Beyond filmmaking, Nugroho founded the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) and its industry platform, JAFF Market. His collaborations with France have fostered initiatives like the Indonesia-France Film Lab, strengthening cultural ties and mentorship between filmmakers of both nations.