In Memory of John Badalu (1972–2025):
A Pioneer of Asian Queer Cinema
John Badalu, a revered Indonesian film producer, dedicated festival programmer, and one of the founding members of the Asia Pacific Queer Film Festival Alliance (APQFFA), passed away at his home in Bali on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 53. He dedicated his life to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, becoming a crucial champion for marginalized voices across Southeast Asia.
In 2002, he founded the Q! Film Festival, Indonesia’s first and largest LGBTQ+ film festival. For over fifteen years, the festival introduced countless Asian queer films to global audiences, fundamentally transforming Indonesia’s cinematic and cultural landscape.
Starting in Jakarta and expanding to several cities, the Q! Film Festival became the definitive platform for Indonesian queer cinema. In 2010, the festival faced its most severe challenge: threats and intimidation from protestors attempting to shut down the screenings. Yet, John made a resolute stand. He protected the festival with immense courage and ensured the screenings continued, demonstrating his profound, unwavering commitment to equality and the freedom of artistic expression.
Beyond Indonesia, John played an active and respected role in the international film community as a programmer, speaker, and jury member, serving as a vital bridge for introducing diverse Asian films to the world. As a producer, he tirelessly supported numerous projects with his characteristic sincerity and passion.
John Badalu’s legacy is not merely one of film—it is a legacy of courage, defiance, and profound cultural impact. He has left an indelible mark on the queer film movement in the Asia Pacific region. His vision, bravery, and warm spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those whose lives and work he touched. His work leaves behind an indelible legacy of courage, defiance, and profound cultural impact, and his vision and warm spirit will be deeply missed by all he touched.
His filmography is detailed below.
John Badalu Filmography
MY THERAPIST SAID, I AM FULL OF SADNESS
Directed by Monica Tedja
Indonesia | 2024 | Documentary | LGBTQ+ | 22min
CU LI NEVER CRIES
Directed by Phแบกm Ngแปc Lân
Vietnam, Singapore | 2024 | Drama | 92min
WHERE THE WILD FRANGIPANIS GROW
Directed by Nirartha Bas Diwangkara
Indonesia | 2023 | Drama | LGBTQ+ | 15min
EVERYBODY'S GOTTA LOVE SOMETIMES
Directed by Sein Lyan Tun
Indonesia, Myanmar | 2023 | Drama | LGBTQ+ | 15min
BASRI & SALMA IN A NEVER-ENDING COMEDY
Directed by Khozy Rizal
Indonesia | 2023 | Comedy | 15min
MAKASSAR IS A CITY FOR FOOTBALL FANS
Directed by Khozy Rizal
France, Indonesia | 2021 | Drama | LGBTQ+ | 20min
LATE BLOOMING IN A LONELY SUMMER DAY
Directed by Sein Lyan Tun
Myanmar | 2021 | Drama | 20min
THE PERILOUS ODYSSEY TO MOUNT GULSUK
Directed by Jordan Dela Cruz
Philippines | 2021 | Drama, Fantasy, Horror | 110min
EVERYDAY IS A LULLABY
Directed by Putrama Tuta
Indonesia | 2020 | Drama, Mystery, Thriller | 81min
MALILA: THE FAREWELL FLOWER
Directed by Anucha Boonyawatana
Thailand | 2017 | Drama | LGBTQ+ | 94min
PARTS OF THE HEART
Directed by Paul Agusta
Indonesia | 2012 | Drama | 90min
Though we have lost John, we will continue to walk in his path and carry forward his legacy.
With deepest respect and affection, we honor his memory.
May he rest in peace.
