The Bali International Film Festival (Balinale) has achieved a significant milestone, earning the prestigious recognition of being an Academy Award® Qualifying Film Festival. This landmark status opens a brand new path to the Oscars for filmmakers whose short films are celebrated at Balinale. Winners of Balinale’s Short Film Competition will now be eligible for consideration in the highly competitive Best Short Film category at the Academy Awards®.  

This recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences elevates Balinale’s standing on the global cinematic map, placing it alongside other internationally acclaimed festivals with this coveted qualification. For over eighteen years, Balinale has served as a vital platform for showcasing diverse cinematic voices and fostering growth within the Indonesian and international film industries. This new designation marks a significant step in its evolution and influence.  

Deborah Gabinetti, the Festival Director of Balinale, expressed immense enthusiasm about this achievement. She highlighted that this honor not only celebrates the festival’s past accomplishments but also signifies a strong commitment to its future. This qualification will undoubtedly enhance Balinale’s international prominence and expand its capacity to present a rich tapestry of films from Indonesia and across the globe.  

Crucially, this new path to the Oscars provides invaluable opportunities for filmmakers recognized at Balinale. It offers them increased international visibility, opens doors for career advancement, and connects their short films with a broader global audience, including Academy members.

Balinale has a long-standing tradition of showcasing a diverse range of cinematic works, including compelling documentaries, narrative features, engaging shorts, and experimental films. Each year, the festival carefully curates a selection from submissions received from filmmakers worldwide. Key factors contributing to this Oscar® qualification include the consistently high caliber of films screened, the diverse and inclusive programming, the festival’s effective and professional management, and the quality of the film presentation in excellent venues.  

This is a momentous occasion for Indonesian cinema, as Balinale becomes the first and only film festival in the country to achieve this esteemed Oscar® qualifying status.