Asmara Abigail: Indonesian Trailblazer Joins the 2025 Locarno Jury

A Star Rising Beyond the Screen

Asmara Abigail is no stranger to breaking boundaries. A dynamic force in Indonesian and Southeast Asian cinema, she has earned widespread acclaim for her fearless performances and commitment to artistic innovation. In 2025, she takes another bold step—joining the Concorso Cineasti del Presente jury at the prestigious 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. This moment not only marks a personal milestone but also affirms her position as a versatile creative force with a truly global reach.

Asmara Abigail is no stranger to breaking boundaries. A dynamic force in Indonesian and Southeast Asian cinema, she has earned widespread acclaim for her fearless performances and commitment to artistic innovation. In 2025, she takes another bold step—joining the Concorso Cineasti del Presente jury at the prestigious 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. This moment not only marks a personal milestone but also affirms her position as a versatile creative force with a truly global reach.

From Indonesian Roots to Regional Renaissance

Asmara’s journey is deeply grounded in her Indonesian identity and expansive Southeast Asian vision. Her collaborations with filmmakers across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand have fueled the Southeast Asian New Wave, a movement characterized by audacious, unconventional storytelling. In films like the critically lauded Stone Turtle, which earned her a Best Actress nomination at Locarno 2022, Asmara captures the pulse of a generation unafraid to challenge norms and represent underrepresented narratives.

The Chameleon Actress Among Global Voices

This year, Asmara shares the jury table with influential figures such as MoMA’s La Frances Hui and India’s phenomenal Kani Kusruti—highlighting the diversity of perspectives shaping the Concorso Cineasti del Presente. While no Southeast Asian films are in competition this year, her presence reflects a commitment to cultural exchange and her belief in cinema as a borderless art form.

A Feminist Voice in the Vanguard

Asmara Abigail is more than a performer—she is a vocal feminist and creative visionary. Alongside prominent figures like producer Yulia Evina Bhara and director Kamila Andini, she is part of a powerful movement redefining female representation in cinema. Her advocacy goes beyond the screen, using her influence to open doors and uplift other Southeast Asian women in the arts.

“Being invited as a jury member is a tremendous responsibility. It’s about representing Indonesia and Southeast Asia, bringing a unique perspective shaped by our cultures, histories, and social realities,” she says.

Crafting Global Narratives with Local Soul

Asmara’s artistic reach goes beyond acting. With a Master’s degree in Luxury Branding from Milan’s Haute Future Fashion Academy and participation in Berlinale Talents 2023, she constantly evolves her creative vocabulary. Her upcoming project about Ratna Mohini, a Javanese dancer and muse of famed photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, illustrates her passion for exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and history—bringing Indonesian stories into international focus.

Redefining What’s Possible for Southeast Asia

Asmara’s journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a call to action for the global film community. Her rise signals the urgency to embrace diverse voices, support female leadership, and invest in storytelling that reflects the richness of our global society. She stands as a beacon for young creatives, showing that with courage, curiosity, and commitment, Southeast Asian cinema can not only participate—but lead—on the world stage.

A Cinematic Future Rooted in Power and Possibility

With her role at Locarno 2025, Asmara Abigail steps into a new chapter—not just for herself, but for an entire region’s creative spirit. As a jury member, she brings an invaluable voice that champions innovation, inclusivity, and the transformative power of cinema. Her legacy is already taking shape—one defined by fearless storytelling, cultural pride, and a vision for a cinema that transcends boundaries.

Written by: Sabrina Sulaiman @sadini

Photographer: Martina Bertacchi @unfioresullaluna

Assisted by: Eva Guidi @veget__

Stylist: Luciana Penaforte @lucypenaforte

MUA: Matilde Davolio @matsmakeup