In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 25 December 1956
- Birthplace
- Kuala Tungkal, Jambi
- Country
- Indonesia
- Nationality
- Indonesian
- Known for
- A five-decade screen career and international advocacy for Indonesian cinema
- Breakthrough film
- Cinta Pertama, 1973
- Landmark role
- Tjoet Nja’ Dhien, 1988
- Cannes service
- Competition jury member, 2002
- International television
- The Last of Us, 2023
Why this life matters
Christine’s career connects the auteur cinema of the 1970s, independent production, film preservation and a new era of global streaming audiences.
Timeline
Key moments
Made her film debut
Teguh Karya cast her in Cinta Pertama, beginning a long creative partnership.
Played Tjoet Nja’ Dhien
Led Eros Djarot’s historical epic about the Acehnese resistance leader.
Produced Leaf on a Pillow
Helped bring Garin Nugroho’s film to the Cannes Un Certain Regard programme.
Joined the Cannes jury
Served on the main competition jury at the 55th festival.
Reached a global television audience
Appeared as scientist Ratna Pertiwi in HBO’s The Last of Us.
An unexpected entrance into film
Christine Hakim did not initially plan to become an actor. Director Teguh Karya cast her in Cinta Pertama, and the performance began a career defined by psychologically detailed roles and repeated collaboration with major Indonesian filmmakers.
Actor and producer
Her title performance in Tjoet Nja’ Dhien became a landmark of Indonesian historical cinema. Christine later moved into production, supporting films such as Leaf on a Pillow and using her influence to help ambitious local stories reach international festivals.
A bridge to world cinema
Christine has served on international festival juries, promoted film education and preservation, and appeared in overseas productions including Eat Pray Love and The Last of Us. Across those roles, she has acted as both an artist and an advocate for Indonesia’s screen culture.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Christine Hakim
- Who is Christine Hakim?
- Christine Hakim is an actor, producer and film advocate. Christine’s career connects the auteur cinema of the 1970s, independent production, film preservation and a new era of global streaming audiences.
- What is Christine Hakim best known for?
- Christine Hakim is best known for a five-decade screen career and international advocacy for Indonesian cinema.
- When and where was Christine Hakim born?
- Christine Hakim was born on 25 December 1956 in Kuala Tungkal, Jambi.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 8 September 2026.
