Palme d’Or Winner ‘Fjord’ Opens Jakarta World Cinema as Cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru Leads Masterclass
Cristian Mungiu’s Palme d’Or-winning film “Fjord” opened the fifth Jakarta World Cinema festival in Indonesia. Romania’s ambassador said the film, selected as the country’s submission for the 2027 international feature Oscar, had drawn both criticism for engaging with conservative ideas and praise as a critique of contemporary Western society.
Cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru, the festival’s only masterclass guest, described “Fjord” as his third collaboration with Mungiu and their first filmed outside Romania, using English and Norwegian. The festival features 207 titles from 69 countries, including 120 award winners and 96 Asian films; 102 titles screen exclusively in cinemas, while online streaming began on 6 October. The festival closes on 7 November with Thai horror film “Inherit”.
In short
- “Fjord” opened Jakarta World Cinema.
- Romania has submitted it for the 2027 international feature Oscar.
- The festival presents 207 films from 69 countries.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may argue that “Fjord” deserves attention for engaging seriously with conservative ideas and using them to examine tensions in contemporary Western society. Its selection as Romania’s Oscar submission and the festival’s opening film can be seen as recognition of its artistic ambition and capacity to prompt debate.
The case against
Critics may argue that engaging with conservative ideas risks giving reactionary views undue legitimacy, particularly if the film’s treatment is seen as insufficiently critical. They may also question whether its account of Western society is nuanced or instead reinforces a politically loaded interpretation.
Explained simply
The Palme d’Or is the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the best-known international film festivals. Cristian Mungiu is a Romanian director, and “Fjord” is his third film made with cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru, who shapes how a film looks through lighting and camera work.
“Fjord” is Romania’s choice for consideration in the international feature category at the 2027 Oscars. The Romanian ambassador said it has prompted different responses: some critics object to its engagement with conservative ideas, while others view it as a criticism of modern Western society.
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