Indonesia’s Joko Anwar Receives French Cultural Honor

Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, receiving the prestigious cultural honor at a ceremony held at the French Ministry of Culture in Paris.

French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati presented the award, recognizing Anwar’s two-decade career and his impact on both Indonesian and international cinema. The honor places the director among a distinguished list of recipients that includes Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, Tim Burton, Pedro Almodóvar, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett and Miyazaki Hayao.

“He established a unique artistic signature, exploring collective fears, social tensions, myths, and beliefs that shape our collective imagination,” Dati said. “His filmography spans a wide range of genres with rare freedom. He reinvented these genres with deep narrative vision and a singular aesthetic – blending traditional culture, social commentary, and gripping suspense.”

During his acceptance speech, Anwar reflected on his approach to filmmaking. “Through stories packaged in horror, thrillers, or comedies, I try to talk about things that are often difficult to discuss directly: injustice, power, humans and the environment in which they live,” he said, noting that many of his works emerge from concerns about social and ecological issues.

The award arrives as Anwar prepares to release his twelfth feature, “Ghost in the Cell,” a horror-comedy co-produced by Barunson E&A, which is also handling worldwide sales. Set for release in 2026, the film uses a prison setting as a metaphor while addressing themes of environmental degradation, power and moral responsibility.

“‘Ghost in the Cell’ is part of the same conversation I’ve always wanted to build through my films,” Anwar said. “Using genre to entertain, but also to encourage audiences to think about the world we live in.”

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres represents one of the highest cultural honors bestowed by the French government, recognizing significant contributions to arts and literature internationally.