Eddie Cahyono wins Special Jury Award at Busan Film Festival

Indonesian director Eddie Cahyono has won the Special Jury Award at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) for his film ‘Ibuku’ (My Mother). The film, a co-production between Indonesia and Japan, stars veteran actress Christine Hakim as a widow struggling with her late husband's gambling debts, leading to a dramatic story involving her daughter's marriage.

‘Ibuku’ was part of the festival's Main Competition, which offers a pathway for films to be considered for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. During the awards ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center, Cahyono expressed gratitude to the festival, noting that the project had been in development since it was presented at the Asian Project Market 11 years ago. He dedicated the achievement to Hakim and the film's producers, Tika Bravani and Shin Yamaguchi.

Indonesia was represented by two films in the Main Competition; the other, ‘Laut Bercerita’ (The Sea Speaks His Name) directed by Yosep Anggi Noen, did not receive an award. The top prize at the festival was awarded to ‘Midday Meal’ by Iranian director Majid Majidi.