With more than 3 million viewers recorded on its 35th day of screening, Thursday (14 August 2025), film Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan (Sore: Wife from the Future) has been officially selected to represent Indonesia at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026.
The announcement was made by the Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee after a plenary meeting held on Monday, 8 September 2025.
Film Sore Achieves Milestone in International Recognition
The committee, formed annually by the Indonesian Film Producers Association (PPFI) and validated by the Academy Awards, made its decision following an assessment process of leading national films screened exclusively at XXI Plaza Senayan Cinema in Jakarta.
Film Sore, directed and written by Yandy Laurens, will compete in the Best International Feature Film category.
Yandy Laurens expressed his appreciation for the opportunity stating, “Thank you to the Indonesian Oscar Selection Committee for choosing Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan to represent Indonesia at the 2026 Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film,” he said.
The film’s strong performance at the box office, reaching millions of viewers, underscores its position as one of Indonesia’s most notable releases in 2025.
Synopsis and Cast of the Film Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan
Film Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan has quickly become one of the most talked-about films among Indonesian audiences since its release in cinemas on 10 July 2025. This romantic drama, with elements of science fiction, is an adaptation of the popular web series of the same title by director Yandy Laurens.
The plot centres on a young man, Jonathan (Dion Wiyoko), an idealistic photographer whose life changes dramatically when a mysterious woman, Sore (Sheila Dara Aisha), suddenly appears in his bed.
Sore claims to be his wife from the future, sent back in time with one mission: to help Jonathan change his habits and lifestyle in order to prevent a tragic destiny.
As the narrative unfolds, the audience watches Sore follow Jonathan through his daily routine in an effort to prove her identity and genuine concern.
Her struggle comes at a cost, as she suffers physical consequences such as nosebleeds and fainting caused by her return to the past.
The cinematography highlights both the beauty and the sorrow of their relationship, weaving together moments of joy, growth, and deep emotion.
The music scoring and soundtrack further elevate the drama, allowing the audience to feel the intensity of romance while reflecting on themes of time and love. With its careful visual composition and emotional depth, the movie offers a touching balance between fantasy and reality.
With a strong cast led by Sheila Dara Aisha and Dion Wiyoko, and directed by Yandy Laurens, this Indonesian movie has received notable recognition, with early reviews highlighting its emotional impact and storytelling.
Viewers can watch it both as a continuation of the original series and as a standalone cinematic experience. Its growing score on IMDb reflects its resonance with audiences, making it one of the standout Indonesian films of 2025.
Previous Indonesian Submissions to the Academy Awards
Daun di Atas Bantal (1998)
Daun di Atas Bantal stood out for its use of real street children from Yogyakarta as the main actors. Representing Indonesia at the 1998 Oscars, the film was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its impact both nationally and internationally.
The narrative explored the realities of urban poverty and gave an authentic portrayal of children living on the margins of society. The film marks it as a distinctive entry from Indonesia.
Biola Tak Berdawai (2003)
Adapted from Seno Gumira Ajidarma’s novel, Biola Tak Berdawai (The Violin Without Strings) was Indonesia’s official entry for the 2003 Oscars. Directed by Sekar Ayu, it tells the story of a former ballet dancer, played by Ria Irawan, who establishes a foster home for children with disabilities alongside a paediatrician.
The film also featured Nicholas Saputra as Bhisma, a violinist whose presence brings further depth to the story. Its sensitive portrayal of social themes earned it attention at the time of release.
Gie (2005)
Gie, directed by Riri Riza, was based on the life of student activist Soe Hok Gie. The film depicted his fight for justice during the turbulent 1960s. Nicholas Saputra starred in the lead role, bringing the historical figure to life on screen.
Although it did not secure an Oscar nomination, Gie won the Best Film category at the Citra Awards, cementing its place in Indonesian cinema history.
Jamila dan Sang Presiden (2009)
Based on Ratna Sarumpaet’s theatre play, Jamila dan Sang Presiden represented Indonesia at the 2009 Academy Awards. Directed by Sarumpaet herself, the film starred Atiqah Hasiholan as Jamila, who is imprisoned after confessing to the murder of a minister.
The story unfolds as Jamila recounts her troubled past to a prison guard, played by Christine Hakim.
Sang Penari (2012)
Adapted from Ahmad Tohari’s novel Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk, Sang Penari (The Dancer) was submitted to the Oscars in 2012. Directed by Ifa Isfansyah, it told the story of Srintil (Prisia Nasution) and Rasus (Oka Antara), whose love was hindered by village customs.
The film explored themes of tradition, freedom, and personal sacrifice set against the backdrop of 1960s Indonesia.
Soekarno: Indonesia Merdeka (2014)
Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, Soekarno: Indonesia Merdeka was Indonesia’s Oscar submission in 2014. The film depicted the life and struggles of Indonesia’s first president, Ir. Soekarno, in the lead-up to independence.
Audiences praised the film for its detailed storytelling and its ability to convey the challenges faced by a national leader.
Surat dari Praha (2016)
Angga Dwimas Sasongko’s Surat dari Praha (Letter from Prague) was Indonesia’s representative at the 89th Academy Awards. Starring Julie Estelle, the film explored themes of exile and identity, resonating with historical and emotional undertones.
Although it did not make the nominations, it added to Indonesia’s growing list of Oscar submissions.
Marlina, Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (2019)
Marlina, Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Marlina, the Murderer in Four Acts) was another Oscar submission that generated international attention. Directed by Mouly Surya, it combined Western and Indonesian storytelling traditions.
Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (2020)
Directed by Garin Nugroho, Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku was Indonesia’s submission to the 2020 Oscars. It competed in the Best International Feature Film category but did not progress to the final nominations.
Perempuan Tanah Jahanam (2021)
Joko Anwar’s Perempuan Tanah Jahanam (Impetigore) was Indonesia’s first horror film to be submitted to the Oscars, representing the country in 2021.
Though it failed to make the top 15 nominations, it expanded the scope of Indonesian submissions by introducing the horror genre into the competition.
Yuni (2022)
Directed by Kamila Andini, Yuni was Indonesia’s Oscar submission in 2022. The film gained international recognition by winning the Platform Prize at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival.
Despite its critical acclaim, it did not secure a place among the top 15 nominations for Best International Feature Film.
Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap (2023)
Bene Dion Rajagukguk’s Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap represented Indonesia at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023. Although it did not advance in the competition, its selection reflected the diversity of Indonesian cinema.
