The first Indonesian drama film to get an award at the Cannes Film Festival was the leaf on a pillow in 1998.
Since 2000, Indonesian drama films began to get recognition on the international arena by winning various awards at international film festivals such as in Tokyo, Rotterdam and Singapore.
Indonesian drama films that have the most spectators are Ayat-Ayat Cinta watched by more than 4.2 million viewers.
Some Indonesian drama films adapt real stories like what's up with love? inspired by the life story of the screenwriter Dewi Lestari.
Indonesian drama films often raise social and political issues that are in the spotlight of society such as corruption, violence, and intolerance.
Some Indonesian drama films also raise religious themes such as Ayat-Ayat Cinta and Habibie & Ainun.
One of the most famous Indonesian drama directors is Garin Nugroho who has won various international awards with films such as Javanese Opera and Javanese devils.
Indonesian drama films sometimes combine elements of comedy to attract the attention of the audience such as in the film Check Shop Next and Suzzanna: breathing in the grave.
Indonesian drama films also often have original songs that are hits in Indonesia like in the film What's with Love? and Laskar Pelangi.
Some Indonesian drama films are adapted from famous novels such as Laskar Pelangi by Andrea Hirata and Perahu Paper by Dewi Lestari.
