The animation industry in Southeast Asia is experiencing a remarkable surge, fueled by locally produced films that are captivating audiences and shattering box office expectations. Leading the charge is Indonesia’s Jumbo, a fantasy adventure that has not only become the highest-grossing animated film in Indonesian history but also the most commercially successful animated feature ever produced in the region. This success signals a pivotal moment for Southeast Asian animation, demonstrating a growing capacity for innovative storytelling and a strong demand for culturally relevant content.
Jumbo, directed by Ryan Adriandhy, has resonated deeply with audiences, earning over $8 million at the local box office since its release on March 31st, according to Weareresonate. The film’s success surpasses that of Malaysia’s previously record-holding Mechamato Movie, which grossed approximately $7.68 million in 2022. As of mid-April 2025, Jumbo had already drawn over 3.2 million viewers, including nearly one million tickets sold over a single weekend – April 12th, and 13th.
The story centers on Don, a 10-year-ancient orphan nicknamed “Jumbo” due to his size, and his journey of self-discovery through a magical storybook inherited from his parents. The narrative, praised for its emotional depth and richly imagined animation, follows Don as he attempts to prove his abilities in a local talent show. The film features the voice talents of Prince Poetiray, Muhammad Adhiyat, Graciella Abigail, Yusuf Ozkan, and Quinn Salman. Development on Jumbo began in early 2020, demonstrating a sustained commitment to bringing this vision to life.
Jumbo’s financial success extends beyond Indonesia’s borders. As of June 5, 2025, the film was released in Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, with screenings planned for Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore beginning June 26, 2025, as reported by Tempo.co. Visinema Studios, the film’s producer, is actively seeking distribution rights in key territories including mainland China, North America, Western Europe, and Australia.
The impact of Jumbo is not merely financial; it represents a significant cultural moment for Indonesian and Southeast Asian cinema. The film surpassed Moana 2 to become Indonesia’s second highest-grossing animated film trailing only Frozen 2. Notably, Jumbo reached this milestone within just two weeks, outpacing Moana 2’s cumulative admissions since November 2024. Jumbo has achieved the distinction of being the first animated film to receive a nomination for the Citra Award for Best Picture, alongside six other nominations, according to Wikipedia.
The success of Jumbo has also been recognized on a broader scale. On May 30, 2025, Visinema claimed the film as the animated film with the highest number of viewers in Southeast Asia. This achievement underscores the growing sophistication and appeal of Southeast Asian animation to regional audiences.
The rise of Jumbo and other regional animated successes demonstrates a shift in the global animation landscape. Local creators are proving their ability to produce innovative and creative works that resonate with both domestic and international audiences. This momentum is expected to drive further investment and development in the Southeast Asian animation industry, fostering a new generation of storytellers and expanding the reach of culturally specific narratives.
As Jumbo continues its international rollout, the film serves as a powerful example of the potential within Southeast Asian animation. The industry is poised for continued growth, with a focus on developing original stories that reflect the unique cultural identities and experiences of the region. The future looks bright for Southeast Asian animators, and audiences worldwide can anticipate more captivating and groundbreaking films in the years to reach.
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