Balinale Expands International Presence at SXSW and LeFIFA
Bali, Indonesia – 3 March 2026, The Bali International Film Festival (Balinale) strengthens its international industry profile this March with Founder and Director Deborah Gabinetti appointed as a Jury Member, International Competition Feature-Length Films, at the 44th edition of the International Festival of Films on Art (12–22 March) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. LeFIFA is one of the world’s leading festivals dedicated to films on art and media arts.
Gabinetti will also serve as a Film & TV Mentor at South by Southwest (12–18 March 2026) in Austin, Texas, contributing to the event’s professional development and cross-sector industry exchange. SXSW is an internationally recognized platform where film, television, music, and technology intersect.
As Indonesia’s premier international film festival, Balinale continues to champion diverse storytelling while strengthening meaningful worldwide industry partnerships.
Balinale is Indonesia’s first and only Academy Awards®-qualifying film festival. Its 2025 Best Short Animation winner, Retirement Plan, directed by John Kelly, has been nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the 2026 Oscars® Best Short Animated Film category, marking a significant milestone for the festival. The ceremony will take place 15 March.
Now entering its 19th edition, the annual Balinale will take place 1–7 June 2026 in Sanur, Bali, continuing its commitment to connecting Indonesian and international storytellers with audiences and industry leaders across the globe.
Festival Info:
- 19th Edition
- 1–7 June 2026
- Sanur, Bali – Indonesia
- Venues: ICON Bali Mall, Cinema XXI, The Meru Sanur
- Feature and Short Narrative, Documentary, and Animation categories
- Industry Platform: Bali Film Forum
Late submissions are now open on FilmFreeway. Final deadline: 15 March 2026.
Media Contact: Balinale T: + 62 (0) 361 270 908 / W: www.balinale.com / E: press@balinale.com
Social media sites: Instagram and Facebook , photos and images, go to our Flickr
