Garin Nugroho's 'Red Before Dawn' Set for Tokyo Film Festival 2026 - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian director Garin Nugroho is returning to the international stage as his latest feature film, Merah Sebelum Fajar (Red Before Dawn), was selected for the main competition at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival. Running from October 26 to November 4, 2026, the festival confirmed that the historical drama will celebrate its world premiere as the only Indonesian title among 15 competing entries.
According to a press statement reported by Antara, the film is set in 1946, during the turbulent aftermath of Indonesia's independence proclamation. The narrative follows Frans, played by Nicholas Saputra, and four companions from different walks of life as they journey across the nation to safeguard an important document, confronting widespread suspicion even from potential allies along the way.
"I was drawn to revisit the early years of independence because there are still so many human experiences from that era that have yet to be portrayed on screen," Garin Nugroho said in a statement released on Friday. "In Merah Sebelum Fajar, we crafted a journey to view Indonesia during a time of great transformation. I am delighted that this film will meet its audience for the first time in Tokyo."
Garin Nugroho co-wrote the screenplay with Dirmawan Hatta, while the cast features notable Indonesian actors including Nicholas Saputra, Laura Basuki, Bront Palarae, Tissa Biani, and Nagra Pakusadewo. The production was mounted by Atarui Films alongside JAGARTHA, Springboard, Trinity Optima Production, IMAJINARI, and Laspro.
Deadline reported that Red Before Dawn is one of seven world premieres featured in the main competition line-up, selected by programming director Ichiyama Shozo. The film stands alongside works by international filmmakers, including Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski's Sister Brother Manhole Cover, Chinese director Qiu Jiongjiong’s Fuxi: Four Tales of Feasting, and Japanese director Mishima Yukiko's Two Cigarettes, Three Nights. Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer will lead the main competition jury evaluating the slate.
In addition to the main section, Indonesian cinema will also have a presence in the festival's sidebar categories. Reports from Variety show that director Ariani Darmawan's feature debut, Jani Be Good, was chosen as one of 10 titles in the Asian Future competition for rising filmmakers.
Additionally, acclaimed director Edwin will have work presented in the World Focus section, while the reintroduced Crosscut Asia program will showcase Southeast Asian cinema through films such as Four Seasons in Java.
The 39th edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival will open with Zeze Takahisa's Sukiyaki and close with Yeon Sang-ho's Colony, while the TIFFCOM content marketplace will take place concurrently from October 28 to 30.
