French Culture Award for Indonesian Director Anwar

Indonesian director Joko Anwar has received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government, a high cultural honor recognizing his extensive contributions to cinema over two decades. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati presented the award, highlighting Anwar's unique artistic signature and his ability to blend genres while addressing profound societal issues.

Anwar's work frequently delves into collective fears, social tensions, and the myths that shape our understanding of the world. He employs genres like horror, thrillers, and comedies to discuss challenging subjects such as injustice, power dynamics, and humanity's relationship with the environment, often drawing from concerns about social and ecological matters.

This recognition comes as Anwar prepares to release his twelfth feature, "Ghost in the Cell," a horror-comedy set for 2026. The film, using a prison metaphor, will explore themes of environmental degradation, power, and moral responsibility, continuing Anwar's commitment to using entertainment to provoke thought about the world.