Denpasar City Government Wants Balinale to Become a "Magnet" for Quality Tourism
Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Denpasar City Government is encouraging the 2026 Bali International Film Festival, or Balinale, to become a magnet for tourism capable of attracting quality visitors to the capital of Bali province.
Denpasar City Secretary I Gusti Ngurah Eddy Mulya, in Denpasar on Saturday, stated that the international film festival holds strategic value in supporting the strengthening of the tourism sector, particularly in capturing a more selective segment of tourists oriented towards cultural experiences.
He assessed that Balinale not only provides entertainment but also opens spaces for cross-cultural interactions, the exchange of ideas, and appreciation of cinematic artworks from various countries.
“Tourists who come are not just to enjoy beaches and cuisine, but also seek cultural experiences and creativity. This is what we want to promote in Denpasar,” he said.
Eddy Mulya emphasised that the Denpasar City Government targets an improvement in tourism quality, not merely the number of tourist visits.
Therefore, the presence of international events like Balinale is seen as aligned with the government’s efforts to build an image of a destination based on culture and creativity.
Furthermore, he stressed the local government’s commitment to actively engage in supporting the creative industry ecosystem in Denpasar City.
The city government, he said, does not want to merely be a spectator but to be present as a strategic partner for creative industry players and arts communities.
Such support is also directed towards strengthening the Sanur area as a cultural space and centre of creativity capable of hosting various international events.
In addition, the Denpasar City Government is also focusing on the development of creative human resources as the main foundation for sustainable tourism.
“The best investment is in young filmmakers, artists, and cultural communities that drive the creative ecosystem,” said Eddy Mulya.
The event is designed to strengthen networks and collaborations in a relaxed atmosphere involving filmmakers, creative industry players, and cultural activists.
The 19th Balinale is scheduled to take place from 1-7 June 2026, featuring around 100 films from 35 countries.
The festival will also showcase various global talent development programmes, including “Art of the Score” developed in collaboration with The Juilliard School.
Through this series of activities, the Denpasar City Government hopes that Balinale will provide tangible impacts in enhancing tourism appeal while strengthening Denpasar’s position as a city of culture and creativity.