The festival closing was officiated today by Fadli Zon, Minister of Culture, RI, during a traditional Open-Air Cinema (Layar Tancap) presenting a selection of Balinese and Indonesian films. The community event was attended by many leading filmmakers, notable personalities, community leaders, and Sanur stakeholders.

The closing night featured two IMAX films shot in Indonesia: UNDER THE SEA by Howard Hall (USA, Canada) and BORN TO BE WILD by David Lickley (USA). Balinale presented the first ever 3D IMAX screening in Bali. The festival opened with 2025 Academy® Award Winning feature animation FLOW directed by Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia).

Last night the jury of the Bali International Film Festival announced this year’s winning films in five categories celebrating the exceptional creative and technical teams for their captivating storytelling and quality of filmmaking.

Short Documentary

Winner: AMAL / Hope – Eros Zhao (USA)

Jury statement: “A lovely short film and a heartfelt story about how “the same” we are, despite our sometimes very stark differences. In a world so divided, this film shows that humans can transcend that which divides us. Well shot. The texture is nice and reflects the subject matter really well. And the music scenes, they say as much as the words, about how these two musicians have managed to meld together into one voice. AMAL / Hope is a perfect name and a great film.”

Short Narrative

Winner: The Boy with White Skin – Simon Panay (France)

Jury statement: “The Boy wth the White Skin” is a magnificent film whose uncompromising realism gives away to a subtle magical realism that is both deeply disturbing and moving. The cinematography and atmosphere, combined with a powerful story makes this short film a work of art deserving of the grand prize.”

Special Mention: A Lifelike Fairytale – Rinaldas Tomaševičius (Lithuania)

Jury statement: “A Lifelike Fairytale is a stunning film featuring powerhouse performances full of joy and energy. Its subtle observation of character refuses to look away from harsh truths while revealing real beauty. Expertly directed and written, A Lifelike Fairytale is a film that bursts from the screen and lingers in the memory.”

Short Animation

Winner: Retirement Plan – John Kelly (Ireland)

Jury statement: “Retirement Plan is a beautifully tender animation that communicates profound emotions without leaning heavily on dialogue. Its charm stems from a deep sense of simplicity and sincerity, weaving a heartfelt narrative about the journey of aging and the importance of self-reflection. With strong technical execution and a genuine emotional resonance, it leaves viewers with a lasting impression that many can relate to.”

Special Mention: Crow, Starfish, Unicorn – by Xiaoxuan Han (China)

Jury statement: “Crow, Starfish and Unicorn is a delightful animation that uses the fullest extent of the medium to tell a heartfelt story in a gentle and poetic way. The intricate design and line work is exceptional, and feels at once fresh and timeless. Xiaoxuan Han is a rare talent who will surely illuminate the world of animation for decades to come.”

As Indonesia’s first and only Academy Award® Qualifying Festival for Best Short Film in all three categories, Winners of Balinale Short Film Competition may now be eligible for consideration for the Oscar® competition for Best Short Film.

Feature Documentary

Winner: Champions of the Golden Valley – Ben Sturgulewski (USA)

Jury statement: “Champions of the Golden Valley is a visually stunning film that provides an in depth examination of life within a strife ridden country. Through focusing on the rivalry between skiers in the remote mountains of Afghanistan, Sturgulewski shines a light on the difficulty of women to be recognised while remaining uplifting and life affirming.”

Feature Narrative

Winner: Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo – Khaled Mansour

Jury statement: “Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo is a heartfelt exploration of Cairo, regret, and disenfranchisement all wrapped up in a simple tale of a man and his brotherhood with his beloved dog. Anchored with a devastating performance by Essam Omar as Hassan, the film carries the audience on a journey deeper into Cairo’s underbelly and Hassan’s complex past. Mansour’s writing and direction are sensitive yet jagged, eliciting great emotion without ever drawing attention to themselves. Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo is a work of great maturity and one whose fame will surely spread in time.”

Gary L Hayes Award for Emerging Indonesian Filmmaker

Suintrah – Ayesha Alma Almera (Indonesia)

Jury statement: “Suintrah is a gripping film that pulls you into its twisted setting and refuses to let you go. Almera and Suhendra’s script creates a palpable sense of threat through great characterisation and – crucially -silence. The performances in the film are excellent. Suintrah plays like a thriller but carries a powerful and vital message about modern society. “

Committee Choice Award Ravens – Mark Gill (Japan)

“Ravens is a stunningly beautiful film that explores deeply complex themes while remaining a wildly entertaining ride. Asano Tadanobu shines as Masahisa Fukase, at times poignant, hilarious, and even dangerous. He is matched brilliantly by Kumi Takiuchi who brings an ethereal charm and real gravitas as Yoko Fukase. Mark Gills script is tight, and seamlessly shifts between eras in a rapidly developing Japan. Many films throughout the ages have attempted to portray the artist’s life, with its unreasonable and unreasoned necessity to create, but few have succeeded to the extent that Ravens does. Mark Gill should be commended for having created a modern classic.”

Balinale 2025 Jury Members:

Matthieu Rytz (Canadian) – Visual Storyteller Donna Smith (United States) – Executive Producer

Sam Buckland (Australia) – Director of Programming Australian Film Institute I AACTA

Agustini Rahayu (Indonesia) – Deputy Minister of Media Creativity, Ministry of Creative Economy, RI. Andibachtiar Yusuf (Indonesia) – Director

Dr. Lawrence Blair (United Kingdom) – Director and Writer Nirartha Bas Diwangkara (Indonesia) – Director and Writer Joe Yaggi (United States) – Director and Producer

This year’s Balinale expanded its global influence in celebrating nearly two decades of bringing outstanding cinema to Indonesia. The seven-day event presented over 72 films from 32 countries, including 8 World, 25 Asian, and 16 International Premieres with 23 Indonesian films. The festival continues to support and encourage the growth of independent cinema and promotes distinctive voices and creative talents.