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Local filmmakers gathered on Wednesday for a private screening of one of Indonesia’s favorite homegrown films, “Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?” (“What’s Up With Cinta?”), marking the film’s 10th anniversary. Released in 2002, “AADC” set a record in Indonesian cinematic history, becoming the first film to attract more than two million viewers at the box office. Its outstanding success set new benchmarks for local filmmakers, suddenly reassured of the potential of the domestic audience.

“‘AADC’ is an instant classic,” said film festival regular Rusli Eddy. “You can tell from the plot, characters and music. After 10 years, it’s still a good movie.”

Wednesday night was Rusli’s third “AADC” viewing, and despite changing teen culture references, he said it remained appealing to people of all ages.

The film follows the unfolding love story of Cinta (Dian Sastrowardoyo) and Rangga (Nicholas Saputra), two high school friends who admire literature and poetry. For many of the viewers at Wednesday’s screening, “AADC” was important because it managed to capture a special time in their lives.

“Much of the dialogue is so unforgettable that we still quote it in conversation today,” said Desti Wulandari, 19, who came to the screening. Desti first watched the film in 2002 and she said it was just as good as she remembered it. “The love story and the friendship feel so real,” she added.

A strong script, filled with idiomatic phrases and literary allusions, was a huge part of the film’s success. It was penned by Jujur Prananto, with assistance from notable screenwriter Prima Rusdi.

The impact of the film is even stronger for Rangga Sastrowardoyo, who shares a first name with the main character and a last name with the leading actress. Whenever he introduces himself, he said, someone brings up the movie.

“People always ask if I’m related to the story of the film, or to Dian Sastrowardoyo, which I am not, and strangely, this upsets them,” he said. For Rangga, seeing the film again after 10 years brings back memories of university friends making fun of his name.

Mira Lesmana, who co-produced “AADC” with Riri Riza, said the private screening was an impromptu reunion.

“It was Nico [Nicholas] who kept reminding me that the film would turn 10 years old this February 8,” she said.

On the night, Mira proudly presented a newly printed celluloid copy for the occasion. There were visible marks at the beginning of the screening, hinting its age.

“I just printed it out three days ago,” said Mira, adding that she only had 10 days to prepare for the event. “I hope people enjoy the vintage feel of the film.”

Special screenings of “AADC” at Blok M Cinema 21 are scheduled until Sunday, but Mira also plans to reproduce the film in a digital version.

“AADC” is no longer the local film with the highest number of viewers. Mira and Riri broke their own record with the 2008 film “Laskar Pelangi” (“The Rainbow Troops”), which attracted 4.6 million viewers. But they still look back to “AADC” with fond feelings.

“It was the second film that I ever produced, so it was certainly memorable,” Mira said. “It’s so funny to watch it now, wishing I could take out some scenes.”

But Mira does not have plans for a remake or any sequels. Her focus is on new stories. She’s currently trying to produced an adaptation of “Bumi Manusia” (“This Earth of Mankind”), the classic novel tetralogy by the celebrated Indonesian author Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Another film she’s working on is “39 Derajat” (“39 Degrees”), a drama that takes place on Timor.

For Nicholas, “AADC” marked his first step into the local entertainment industry.

“Nearly everything I learned about the industry was through people I met making ‘AADC,’ ” he said.

Nicholas admitted he felt a little bashful looking back at his first film, but even if he could turn the clocks back he wouldn’t change anything, he said.

From the loner student he played in “AADC,” Nicholas has acted in several other roles during his decade-long career, including political activist Soe Hok Gie in “Gie.” This week, Nicholas is in Berlin to attend the world premiere of his most recent film, “Postcards From the Zoo.”

Dian could not escape her shyness when she gave a speech on stage after Wednesday’s screening.

“Now that I think about it, Cinta is such a weird character, she really wanted to be seen,” she said.

Reflecting on the success of “AADC” was a positive moment for Indonesia’s filmmakers, who work in a less-than-perfect industry. It became a moment of encouragement for them, with something to be proud of — not only “AADC,” but more recent films as well.

Indonesian films are increasingly receiving attention at international film festivals.

Following the success of Indonesian action film “The Raid,” by Welsh director Gareth Evans, at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, this week “Postcards From the Zoo” will have its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale. Edwin, the director, will receive the Edward Yang Award for New Talent at the Asian Film Awards in March. In Indonesia, Edwin is known for his film “Babi Buta Ingin Terbang” (“The Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly”).

There are even two Indonesian films scheduled for screenings at the prestigious US festival South by Southwest (SXSW) in March: “The Raid,” and “Modus Anomali,” the latest thriller by director Joko Anwar.