Indonesian short documentary wins award in Bulgaria

‘Mama Jo’ revolves around Santi, a resilient Indonesian mother, and her 9-year-old son Johan, who lives with cerebral palsy

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Indonesian short documentary ‘Mama Jo’, directed by Ineu Rahmawati, won the “Best Short Documentary” award at the Golden FEMI Film Festival held in Sofia, Bulgaria. 

The award was received by the Charge d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Sofia, Irvan Fachrizal, reports Tempo.co.  

Ineu expressed gratitude to the festival organizers, the jury, and the audience for the appreciation through a message delivered during the event, as she was unable to attend due to logistical constraints.

‘Mama Jo’ tells a touching story about Santi, a resilient Indonesian mother, and her 9-year-old son Johan, who lives with cerebral palsy.

Through this documentary, Ineu aims to voice the often-overlooked reality of the struggles and resilience of families with disabilities, not only in Indonesia, but also worldwide.

“This film is a reminder that inclusion, access, and dignity are universal rights that we must uphold together,” said Ineu, as quoted by the official release of the embassy. 

According to the embassy, the Indonesian government has taken various significant steps in recent years to fulfill the rights of children with disabilities, including access to education, healthcare services, and inclusive social support.

In 2024, the number of domestic film viewers reached 68.95 million, the highest in the 98-year history of Indonesian cinema. By 2025, there were 2,088 movie screens across Indonesia, and 60 percent of the total audience preferred to watch local films.

The embassy said that the award is more than just a box office achievement, as it encompasses a cultural movement that signifies the resurgence of original stories and films that voice various aspects of humanity.