Europe on Screen 2026 Showcases Fresh Voices, Diverse Stories and 55 Must-Watch European Films

Europe on Screen 2026 Showcases Fresh Voices, Diverse Stories and 55 Must-Watch European Films

The longest-running European film festival in Indonesia returns from 4-14 June 2026 across eight cities with free screenings, international guests, and support for emerging Indonesian filmmakers.

Jakarta, 26 May 2026 – The European Union (EU) Film Festival, Europe on Screen (EOS), returns from 4-14 June 2026 bringing a vibrant celebration of European cinema to audiences across Indonesia. Over eleven days, film lovers can enjoy 55 films from 28 European countries, screened free of charge in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Denpasar, Yogyakarta, Medan, Sidoarjo and Semarang.

Now in its 26th edition, EOS continues to strengthen its position as the longest-running European film festival in Indonesia, fostering cultural exchange between Europe and Indonesia through cinema. This year’s programme highlights a wide range of themes, perspectives and cinematic styles including works by 31 female directors and 9 debut filmmakers, reflecting the festival’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in cinema.

“Europe on Screen is more than a platform for showcasing European films. It is a cultural bridge that connects European and Indonesian perspectives and experiences through cinema. Since its first inception, EOS has also screened Indonesian short films that later travelled to international film festivals in Europe. We believe cinema has the power to spark dialogue, strengthen cultural ties and foster cross-cultural understanding through stories that are both relevant and deeply human,” said Stéphane Mechati, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Indonesia. 

European Cinema with Fresh Perspectives and Diverse Voices

Opening this year’s festival is The Baronesses (Les Baronnes), a 2025 comedy-drama co-produced by Belgium, France and Luxembourg, directed by mother-and-son duo Nabil Ben Yadir and Mokhtaria Badaoui. The film follows a group of elderly women in Brussels who rediscover their dreams by staging an all-female theatre production that captures national attention. The Baronesses gained international acclaim after screening at the Namur International Francophone Film Festival and winning Best Picture in the Rebels with a Cause section at the 2025 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia.

Closing the festival is Atlas of the Universe (Atlasul Universului), a 2026 coming-of-age film co-produced by Romania and Bulgaria and directed by Paul Negoescu. The story follows a ten-year-old boy on an unexpected journey to find his missing left shoe. The film premiered at Berlinale 2026 in the Generation Kplus section, where it received a Special Mention award.

“Through EOS 2026, we aim to present films that are inclusive in terms of themes, perspectives and the filmmakers behind them. This year, we are especially pleased to continue showcasing works by female directors and debut filmmakers who bring fresh voices into European cinema. We hope Indonesian audiences will discover stories that feel relatable while also broadening their perspectives on life and culture in Europe,” said Nauval Yazid, Festival Co-Director of EOS 2026.

SFPP Returns to Empower Emerging Indonesian Filmmakers

This year, EOS once again presents the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP), a funding and development programme dedicated to emerging Indonesian filmmakers. Interest in the programme continues to grow each year, with 202 submissions received this year from across Indonesia, including Bukit Tinggi, Riau, Jember and Fakfak in Papua.

“The EOS 2026 Short Film Pitching Project is now entering its 9th edition. To date, 23 Indonesian short films have been successfully produced through the programme, involving hundreds of Indonesian film professionals and stakeholders. More than half of these films have gone on to screen at international film festivals in Indonesia, Europe and beyond. We believe the EOS SFPP programme is a positive example of how a good film festival can support and create a real impact on the film industry, in addition to its film screenings,” said Meninaputri Wismurti, Festival Co-Director of EOS 2026.

One of the SFPP 2026 jurors, Indonesian actress Asmara Abigail, also highlighted the evolving themes explored by participants this year. “The themes submitted to SFPP EOS 2026 are quite diverse and important for the regeneration of Indonesian filmmakers. Many participants are courageously exploring topics on minority, identity, mental health, and everyday experiences that hit home. As one of the jurors, this would be an interesting and challenging experience,” she said.

The ten finalists of EOS 2026 SFPP are:

1. Catatan si Kumal by Aryudha Fasha and Alen Prima Aulya from Sidoarjo
2. French Kiss by Keanu Acyuta and Arya Pradana Sasmita from Jakarta
3. The Hating Guide by Rifki Ardisha and Aka Witharja from Jakarta
4. Kabul by Gabriela Vanesa Karolus and Beny Kristia from Jakarta
5. Karina in Male Dominated Field by Mahaputri Adinda, Jazon Ezra Maail, and Ammara Shifa Uzma from Tangerang
6. The Last Supper by Amara W. Tunggadewi and Linda R. Marfuah from Jakarta
7. Leader by Takha Camilla Aisha A. and Imam Syafii from Klaten
8. Lemah by Diko Pradiva and Ilham Mustofa from Surakarta
9. Lunchtime Monsters by Gerry Fairus and Dhita Intani from Jakarta
10. A Medicine for Macho-Only by Iqbal Keane K. and Zacky M. Zakaria from Yogyakarta

International Guests and New Venues Enrich the Festival Experience

EOS 2026 will also welcome two guests from the European film industry: Damian McCann, director of the Irish film Aontas (2025), and Zar Donato, lead actress of a film from Cyprus, Maricel (2025). Their presence offers audiences, film communities and Indonesian film industry practitioners an opportunity to engage in discussions about filmmaking, creative processes and the evolving landscape of European cinema.

EOS 2026 also introduces several new film screening venues: Alliance Française Semarang, Oudetrap Semarang, Bali Film School, Galeri Nasional, Theatre Salihara and UNIKA Atma Jaya Jakarta. With a total of 25 venues across eight cities, the festival aims to broaden public access while strengthening its long-standing connections with local film communities and educational institutions.

All screenings at EOS 2026 are free and open to the public.

For the latest information on schedules, venues, film synopses and festival programmes, visit www.europeonscreen.org and follow @europeonscreen on Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube.

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