JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR: It is official, the hit Indonesian romantic sci-fi film "Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan" has been selected to represent the country at the 98th Academy Awards next year.
The film, which drew over three million movie-goers to cinemas across Indonesia after its July 10 release, will also compete in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
The Indonesian entertainment industry, represented by the Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee, on Monday (Sept 8) confirmed the hit movie will represent the country in the United States' top entertainment industry awards ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Top television talk show host Conan O'Brien will host the ceremony, which will be televised live on ABC.
Adding to the excitement of "Sore", renowned Indonesian folk-rock band Barasuara even penned a special piano version of their hit song 'Terbuang Dalam Waktu' for the film’s soundtrack.
Even better, the film is set to hit Malaysian cinemas on September 25, courtesy of local distributor Primeworks Studios, which has already brought out super-hit local films "Ejen Ali 2" and "Bara Naga: Blood Brothers" to the local entertainment scene.
"Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan" is adapted from a 2017 web series that tells the story of a young man living in Croatia who meets a woman named Sore, claiming to be his wife from the future, and helps him change his lifestyle and life views.
The film is directed by acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker Yandy Laurens and stars well-known actors such as Dion Wiyoko as Jonathan Riady, the main protagonist, and Sheila Dara as Sore. They are joined by other actors, including Goran Bogdan, Lara Nekic, Livio Badurina, Maya Hasan, and Mathias Muchus.
The film also marks the first collaboration between Indonesian production house Cerita Films and the Croatian film industry.
Laurens has a reputation as a thoughtful and emotionally resonant filmmaker, known for his focus on intimate, humanistic storytelling. "Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan" marks the fourth feature film by the 36-year-old director.
"Being in the running for the Best International Feature Film at the Oscars 2026 is simply amazing for me and my team. This is a very high form of trust for our work," said Yandy.
Among his iconic works is the 2018 film "Keluarga Cemara", adapted from a popular Indonesian TV series of the same name, which tells the story of a family who loses their fortune and must start anew in a different village.
"Keluarga Cemara" garnered over 1.7 million viewers and has won several awards, including the Citra Awards for Best Feature Film at the 2019 Indonesia Film Festival (IFF).
Another one of his critically acclaimed films is the 2023 "Falling in Love Like in Movies", which tells the story of a romantic screenwriter who reconnects with his high school sweetheart and tries to win her back.
The film has won a total of seven Citra Awards at the 2024 IFF, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay Writer.
Both "Keluarga Cemara" and "Falling in Love Like in Movies" are currently available to stream on Netflix.
"We feel very grateful, this move ("Sore") was chosen and trusted to be the representative of Indonesian films nominated for the Oscars. We hope to get full support from all parties, so that all matters will be made easier. Hopefully, this history will be a new journey for our film after receiving a very good response in Indonesia," said the film's publisher, Suryana Paramita.
"Thank you to the Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee for selecting "Sore" as Indonesia's sole representative at the prestigious event."
For more information on the hit movie, fans can catch exclusive interviews and trailers in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube from Primeworks Studios. -- Information on "Sore" and also photos were provided by Primework Studios.
