Indonesian animated film Jumbo has been shattering regional box office records, and as it is set to expand beyond Southeast Asia, its success is expected to reach even broader audiences.
Based on the adventure of the protagonist, Don, a bullied orphan from Indonesia, the film has become the highest-grossing animated film in Southeast Asia, with over $8 million in box office revenue. The film was released in late March, just in time for the post-Ramadan Eid holiday season, and has already claimed its place as the third-highest-grossing Indonesian film of all time.
Directed by Ryan Adriandi Halim, Jumbo explores themes of loss and the strength required to overcome adversity. Halim explained that the film’s message is to encourage kindness and respect among people, regardless of their background or age. “We want to remind everyone that every person deserves respect,” he added.
In the movie, Don is presented with a magical storybook containing fantastical tales, one of which features a fairy who seeks his help in reuniting with her family. Halim described the film as a gift to both the younger generation and “the child within all of us.”
Since its release, cinemas across Indonesia have been packed with audiences eager to watch the film. The movie was five years in the making, and its production involved over 400 local creators. It has surpassed the record previously held by Mechamato, another Indonesian animated film, which set the regional box office record in 2022.
The film’s success has surprised many within the Indonesian film industry. “I expected the film to be popular, but not this popular,” said Petrus Kristianto Prayitno Santoso, a film programming manager at Flix Cinema.
Looking ahead, the film’s production company, Visinema Studios, is preparing for a wider release in June across 17 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, and Mongolia. Other release dates are still under discussion, with a potential global rollout on the horizon.
In a market dominated by Hollywood blockbusters and local horror films, Jumbo stands out as a beacon of hope for Indonesian filmmakers. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had an Indonesian family film,” said Adi, a 38-year-old viewer who watched the movie with his wife and children. “I believe it will resonate well within Southeast Asia, but I’m not sure about its reception beyond that.”
Many Indonesian viewers now hold out hope that Jumbo will mark a turning point for local productions and inspire future international success. Dika, a 27-year-old cinema-goer, shared, “I believe this film has the potential to rival Disney productions.”
Despite the high expectations, Halim remains modest. He sees Jumbo as a stepping stone and hopes it will set a benchmark for the future of Indonesian animation.
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