Jakarta. The Festival Sinema Australia Indonesia (FSAI) will return in 2026, bringing a curated selection of contemporary Australian and Indonesian films to audiences in 11 cities nationwide, as both countries seek to deepen cultural ties through the creative sector.

The festival aims to strengthen cultural exchange by showcasing stories that resonate with Indonesian audiences while highlighting growing collaboration between the two film industries.

“FSAI brings Australian and Indonesian stories directly to audiences, strengthening cultural understanding through film while celebrating our growing creative industry partnerships,” Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier said.

This year’s festival was launched with a press conference titled FSAI 2026: Celebrating Australian and Indonesian Creativity on the Big Screen, followed by a screening of Kangaroo on Wednesday. The Australian family drama-comedy, set in the Outback, explores themes of community and human connection through a warm narrative.

For the first time, FSAI will introduce “Screen on the Green,” an open-air cinema experience at Kebun Raya Bogor, offering audiences a unique setting to enjoy films outdoors.

Screenings will take place in Jakarta, Manado, Makassar, Semarang, Medan, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Bogor, Yogyakarta, Kupang and Mataram. The program will feature five Australian films, two Indonesia–Australia alumni films, and four Indonesian short films produced by alumni of the Australia Awards short film program.

Beyond film screenings, the festival will host a series of masterclasses on cinematography and documentary filmmaking, led by Australian industry professionals. These include cinematographer Andrew Commis, known for The Dry 2, and Michelle Johnston, an associate professor at Curtin University.

The festival will run from May 8 to May 23, 2026. All screenings and events are free of charge, although seating is limited. Further information is available at FSAI.id.