Denpasar. The 19th edition of the Bali International Film Festival, widely known as Balinale, is set to take place from June 1-7 at The Icon Bali Mall and several venues in Sanur, Bali, bringing together filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world.

Festival founder and director Deborah Gabinetti said this year’s festival will showcase 94 films from 38 countries.The lineup includes 20 world premieres, 10 international premieres, and 26 Asian premieres, with filmmakers and cast members expected to attend screenings and discussions throughout the week-long event.

“We will screen 26 Indonesian films this year, which will also be watched by international filmmakers,” Gabinetti said on Friday.

In addition to film screenings, Balinale 2026 will feature workshops and knowledge-sharing programs focused on international film production and co-production opportunities. Organizers said the program aims to strengthen collaboration among filmmakers across borders while offering educational opportunities for emerging Indonesian filmmakers.

“The film program will present a dynamic range of stories, perspectives, and cinematic voices while also highlighting the growing importance of international co-productions in contemporary cinema,” she said.

This year’s festival will also introduce a new award category, Best Indonesia Short: Tapestry of Indonesia, aimed at celebrating the diversity and richness of Indonesian storytelling. Other award categories include Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Narrative, Short Documentary, and Short Animation, all judged by an international panel.

Balinale 2026 will open on June 1 with a screening of Euphoria directed by Julian Rosefeldt. The festival will close on June 7 with The End by acclaimed filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer.

The festival will also feature six films presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) from Hong Kong, spanning genres including drama, comedy, and horror.

The selected films include Road To Vendetta by Albert Njo Kui-Ying, Night King, by Ng Wai-Lun, and Golden Boy directed by Chan Wai-Koon.

Other featured AFAA titles include Gamer Kids directed by Sophie Yan, Ciao UFO by Patrick Leung Pak-Kin, and Back To The Past directed by Ng Yuen Fai and Jack Lai Jan-Kung.

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