TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The feature film Solata clinched a prestigious award at the Golden FEMI Film Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The film, which centers on themes of education, friendship, and Torajan culture, secured the Special Award for Cinema from the Emerald of the Equator: Cultural Contribution and Humanism.
The award was received in person by the film's director and producer, Ichwan Persada, in Sofia. "This is a very meaningful award for us, and it is deeply encouraging," Ichwan told Tempo on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
However, he expressed disappointment over the ongoing lack of material support from the local government back home. "We are very pleased because Solata appears to be better appreciated abroad than in its own country," he remarked.
This milestone adds to the growing international accolades for Solata, which had previously been screened at the MENAR Bulgaria Film Festival in January 2026. The film is also slated to participate in Albania's Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF), an Oscar-qualifying international film event.
Solata, starring Rendy Kjaernett, was screened in cinemas starting from November 6, 2025. Doc. Walma Pictures and Indonesia Sinema Persada
Aside from Solata, two other Indonesian films also triumphed at the Golden FEMI Film Festival. The documentary DJUM by Ahmad Brilian Maulana Vitjayanto received the Best Production with Strong Social Message and Humanitarian Contribution Award, while the student film Dolanan Nusantara by Dimas Surya Pratama walked away with the Best Educational Documentary and Cultural Heritage Preservation Award.
The awards for both films were accepted by the Indonesian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Listiana Operananta, on behalf of the Indonesian filmmakers who were unable to attend the gala in person. In her address, she emphasized that film serves as a vital medium for fostering international understanding.
"Film can present stories about humanity, culture, and hope that resonate with anyone, anywhere," she said, as quoted from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. According to the ambassador, the recognition received by the three films proves that Indonesian narratives hold universal relevance and can move audiences across cultural divides.
The Golden FEMI Film Festival is an international cinema event that highlights works of high artistic value and strong social messaging. The themes explored in the showcased films typically revolve around humanity, cultural diversity, peace, and pressing global social issues.
This year's Golden FEMI Film Festival was held under the patronage of President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova and drew film industry practitioners from around the globe. The event was also attended by ambassadors from several nations, including Armenia, Lebanon, Cyprus, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, and Argentina.
Read: Balinale Boosts Global Exposure for Indonesian Films
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
