Indonesian Director Gandhi Fernando Claims Number-One Global Spot on iQIYI Shorts
Indonesian entrepreneur Gandhi Fernando has captured the number-one spot on the global iQIYI Shorts ranking with his directorial debut, Badminton Boys, as reported by VOI. The 57-episode vertical micro-series, which is officially labeled as “number one globally” in the iQIYI short film category, marks an international breakthrough.
Smartphone-Optimized Format Hits Worldwide Screens
The vertical-format drama series climbed to the top of the global charts following its October 15 release. Designed specifically for smartphone viewing, the project consists of 57 episodes ranging from one to three minutes each, totaling 92 minutes of runtime. Viewers worldwide can access the series through iQIYI and Shortime, while VIU streams the show specifically for the Thailand market.
Four Years of Thai Language Study Prepares the Director’s Chair
The project came to fruition through a cross-border collaboration between Thai production company Above All Studios and Gandhi Fernando’s Creator Media, backed by direct investment from iQIYI. Reaching the director’s chair required extensive preparation, as Fernando spent four years learning the Thai language from scratch prior to production. That linguistic foundation allowed him to navigate local industry workflows and direct Thai actors directly in their native language.
A Milestone Validation for Indonesian Talent Abroad
Reflecting on the milestone in a statement released on October 15, Fernando described the achievement as an emotional turning point for his career behind the camera and a validation of Indonesian talent on the world stage. He noted that the achievement demonstrates that Indonesian filmmakers possess the capability to work and compete within foreign entertainment industries, pushing past national boundaries to secure international audiences.
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