Garin Nugroho’s film selected for Tokyo International Film Festival

Director Garin Nugroho’s latest feature film, ‘Merah Sebelum Fajar’ (Red Before Dawn), has been selected for the main competition at the 2026 Tokyo International Film Festival. Scheduled to run from October 26 to November 4, 2026, the film is the sole Indonesian entry in a program featuring 14 other international films.

Set in 1946, one year after Indonesia’s proclamation of independence, the film follows a character named Frans, played by Nicholas Saputra, and four others from diverse backgrounds. As they travel across the country carrying an important document, they face suspicion from those who should be allies in the struggle for independence.

The film features a prominent cast including Nicholas Saputra, Laura Basuki, Bront Palarae, Tissa Biani, and Nagra Pakusadewo. Nugroho, who co-wrote the screenplay with Dirmawan Hatta, stated his interest in exploring the human experiences of Indonesia’s early independence years that have yet to be depicted on screen.