The inaugural Nanyang Film Festival was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 9 to 11, 2026, screening 22 films from China and other parts of Asia. Among the works shown were director Lan Hongchun's "Chaoshan trilogy"—"Dear You," "Proud of Me" and "Back to Love." Using cinema as a bridge, the festival provided a platform for cultural exchange across Asia and created new opportunities for film industry cooperation among China, Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region. The festival was organized by Nanyang Bridge Media with support from FLIX Cinema.
Alongside the film screenings, the South International Communication Center (South) hosted the "Guangdong Goods, Global Reach" Theme Exhibition and the "Guangdong: Better with Time" Visual Exhibition. On display at the cinema were more than 100 items representing over 30 types of distinctive Guangdong products, together with 30 photographs showcasing the province. The exhibitions attracted more than 1,000 visitors, including representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, the Indonesia-China Friendship Association, the Shantou Film Association and other institutions, as well as members of the public from all walks of life.
After viewing the exhibitions, Wang Siping, cultural attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, said he looked forward to more high-quality Chinese films and television productions, as well as distinctive Guangdong products, making their way to Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Yudil Chatim, former educational and cultural attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, said that cultural platforms such as the Nanyang Film Festival could help people from different countries deepen their mutual understanding and empathy through artistic exchanges, cultural exhibitions and cooperation in the creative industries.
Author | Zheng Yiling (intern), Huang Qini, Bian Yongxin
Photos | Nanyang Bridge Media
