Europe on Screen Festival Opens with Belgian Film 'The Baronesses'

The Europe on Screen (EoS) film festival is set to return for its 26th edition, offering a cinematic journey across Europe from June 4 to June 14, 2026. This year's festival will span eight cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Denpasar, Yogyakarta, Medan, Sidoarjo, and Semarang, providing eleven days of free film screenings.

With a program featuring 55 films from 28 European countries, EoS continues its legacy as the longest-running European film festival in Indonesia. The festival officially opened on June 5, 2026, with a ceremony and screening at CGV Grand Indonesia. The opening film, "The Baronesses," a Belgian comedy-drama, aims to foster empathy among viewers through cinema.

"The Baronesses," produced in 2025 by directors Mokhtaria Badaoui and Nabil Ben Yadir, has garnered international acclaim, including the Best Film award in the Rebels with a Cause category at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2025. The film tells the story of a group of elderly women in Brussels who pursue their dreams through theater.

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Many viewers come to EoS not only to enjoy European films but also to find stories that feel close to their lives.

Belgian Ambassador to Indonesia Frank Felix expressed his hope that the film would bring laughter and inspire dreams, making the festival an unforgettable experience. He stated, "We are proud that The Baronesses was chosen as the opening film for Europe on Screen 2026. This film presents a warm, humane, and relevant story for many people about the courage to keep dreaming and rediscovering oneself without being limited by age."

Beyond showcasing European cinema, EoS also serves as a platform for emerging Indonesian filmmakers. The winning works from the Short Film Pitching Project (SFPP) 2025 will be screened at the National Gallery of Indonesia, highlighting the festival's commitment to supporting and showcasing young talent from the country.

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We are proud that The Baronesses was chosen as the opening film for Europe on Screen 2026. This film presents a warm, humane, and relevant story for many people about the courage to keep dreaming and rediscovering oneself without being limited by age.