Bali International Film Festival, known as Balinale, has been a highly anticipated annual event in Bali since 2007, showcasing a diverse range of films, including award-winning Fiction Films, Documentaries, Feature Films, and Short Films.
The film festival serves as a vibrant meeting point for filmmakers from across the globe, fostering collaborations and providing a platform for their upcoming projects. Additionally, it plays a vital role in promoting Indonesian cinema and facilitating educational growth through workshops and seminars held during this annual event.
Held from June 1st – 4th, 2023, at PARK23 Creative Hub – Kuta, Balinale featured 43 films from 13 countries.
We caught up with Deborah Gabinetti, the founder and president of Balinale, to find out more.
Hello Deborah, can you tell us about your experience of relocating to Bali for the first time and establishing your life here?
My professional backdrop starts as a Casting Director in New York City, NY, USA. Through my network, I heard about opportunities in the Indonesian television industry that was just opening commercially. It was an exciting time to be in Jakarta in the 1990s. Eventually, the lifestyle made it an easy decision for me to relocate to Bali.
I established Bali Film Center in 2002, which has facilitated many major international film and television projects throughout all parts of Indonesia. One of the most famous of our credits is Eat Pray Love by Ryan Murphy.
When you initially conceived Balinale as an idea and brought it to life as a film festival, what were your thoughts and intentions driving its creation?
When I first created Balinale, I envisioned bringing together film enthusiasts, promoting cultural exchange, and showcasing the beauty and talent of Indonesian and international cinema. I wanted to create a platform where filmmakers and audiences could connect and appreciate the art of filmmaking in the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Bali.
An important part of Balinale is promoting Indonesia as a film location for international productions by inviting filmmakers to network through industry discussions and explore Indonesia for potential co-productions and offer opportunities for the local talent pool to demonstrate their capabilities and potential.
As the founder and president of Balinale, what messages do you aim to communicate through this film festival?
One of the main messages I want to convey through this film festival is the power of storytelling and its ability to bridge cultures, ignite conversations, and inspire change. I believe that films are not just entertainment but have the potential to create empathy, challenge stereotypes, and foster understanding among diverse communities. Through Balinale, we strive to celebrate the art of filmmaking and encourage dialogue on important social issues.
Could you please elaborate on selecting films for this year’s Balinale? Is there a rigorous curation process to determine which films are included in the festival?
Each year, the films in the Balinale program go through a strict curation process. We have a dedicated team of experienced professionals who carefully review and select films based on their artistic and technical merit, storytelling quality, relevance to current issues, and potential appeal to our audience. We also consider diversity and aim to include a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives to create a well-rounded program that caters to different tastes.
What is your message for budding filmmakers in Indonesia and around the world?
My message to budding filmmakers in Indonesia and worldwide is simple: believe in your vision and keep pursuing your passion. Filmmaking is a challenging and competitive field, but you can make your mark with dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. Embrace your unique voice, tell stories that matter to you, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Balinale has always been a platform for emerging filmmakers supported through our creative partnerships like Art of the Score and The Juilliard School’s Center for Innovation in the Arts. Seize every opportunity to share your work with the world.
Follow Balinale on Instagram: @bali.nale
