Kapanlagi.com - Indonesian actress, Asmara Abigail, has once again made her mark in the history of international cinema. She has officially been selected as a judge at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, which will take place in Switzerland from August 6-16, 2025.
Her involvement in this prestigious film festival places Abigail alongside prominent figures in the global cinema industry. She will serve as a judge for the Concorso Cineasti Del Presente category, which specifically showcases works by new directors.
Asmara will share her duties with Kani Kusruti, an actress from the film ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT, and La Frances Hui, Head of the Film Department at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York. Check out the full explanation below.
1. Asmara Abigail's Career Journey to the Jury Seat

Asmara Abigail Becomes a Juror at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland (credit: instagram/asmaraabigail)
Asmara Abigail is not an unfamiliar name in the international film festival scene, especially at the Locarno Film Festival. She starred in the film THE SCIENCE OF FICTIONS (2019), which successfully won the Special Jury Prize at Locarno.
In addition, she was also nominated for Best Actress at the Locarno Film Festival 2022 for her role in the film STONE TURTLE. Both films became important stepping stones that opened up her opportunity to be a juror.
2. Prestigious Category Concorso Cineasti Del Presente
As a juror, Asmara Abigail serves in the Concorso Cineasti Del Presente category. This category specifically highlights works from new directors showcasing their debut or second films.
This year, the competing films in this category include AFFECTION AFFECTION (France), GIOIA MIA (Italy), BECOMING (Kazakhstan), FANTASY (Slovenia and North Macedonia), and THE FIN (South Korea).
3. Big Names Who Became Judges Alongside Abigail

Asmara Abigail Becomes a Judge at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland (credit: instagram/asmaraabigail)
This year, the Locarno jury panel also includes various other important figures in the international cinema world. In addition to La Frances Hui and Kani Kusruti, the names Jihan El Tahri, Sara Serraiocco, James Hawkinson, Rithy Panh, Judith Lou Levy, and Seta Thakur are also listed.
These judges will evaluate films from various categories screened throughout the festival, including several standout films that have already gained global attention.
4. Indonesia's Footprint at International Film Festivals is Growing Stronger
Abigail's involvement as a judge continues the positive trend of Indonesian filmmakers being recognized globally. Previously, Yulia Evina Bhara was also selected as a judge for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and the 2025 International Emmy Awards.
Additionally, Kamila Andini has also recently received an official invitation to become a member of The Academy, the body responsible for the Oscars.
5. Film Lineup at Locarno 2025: From Dave Franco to Jackie Chan

Asmara Abigail Becomes Judge at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland (credit: instagram/asmaraabigail)
The 78th Locarno Film Festival has released the list of films that will be screened in various programs and categories. Some of the films scheduled to be shown include TOGETHER (starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie), SENTIMENTAL VALUE (Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning), and IT WAS JUST ACCIDENT, which previously won the Palme d'Or 2025.
In addition to new films, the event will also showcase a lineup of legendary classic films. Among them are POLICE STORY (1985) by Jackie Chan and THE SHINING (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick.
6. Questions Regarding Asmara Abigail as Judge at Locarno Film Festival 2025
Q: Why was Asmara Abigail chosen as a judge for the Locarno Film Festival 2025?
A: Asmara Abigail was chosen due to her track record of starring in films that have been successful at Locarno, such as THE SCIENCE OF FICTIONS and STONE TURTLE.
Q: What is the CONCORSO CINEASTI DEL PRESENTE category at Locarno?
A: This category is intended for works by new directors showcasing their first or second films at the festival.
Q: Who are the other judges joining at Locarno 2025?
A: Some prominent names joining as judges include La Frances Hui, Kani Kusruti, Jihan El Tahri, and Rithy Panh.
Q: When and where will the Locarno Film Festival 2025 take place?
A: The 78th Locarno Film Festival will be held from August 6–16, 2025, in Switzerland.
Q: What films will be screened at the Locarno Film Festival 2025?
A: Some of the films in the lineup include TOGETHER, SENTIMENTAL VALUE, and IT WAS JUST ACCIDENT, as well as classic films like POLICE STORY and THE SHINING.
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Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.