Month: December 2024

Ho Yuhang’s “The Silent Village” (Aman/Damai) emerged as the top winner at Indonesia’s inaugural JAFF Market, scoring both the Kongchak and BSM awards as the market wrapped its 2024 edition Thursday in Yogyakarta (Jogja).

The market took place alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) from Dec. 3-5. “The Silent Village,” a Malaysia-Indonesia co-production written by Prima Rusdi, and produced by Lorna Tee via Malaysia’s Paperheart, led the project market’s selection of 10 features.

Actor-turned-director Reza Rahadian also secured backing for his project “Love Unwanted” (Pangku) produced by Gambar Gerak Film, taking home the White Light Post-Production Award. The other BSM award went to documentary “Sampai Mati” (Until Death), helmed by Australian director Ben Golotta and produced by Morgan Wright.

Former table tennis champion turned match-fixer finds redemption through the sport in family drama from emerging filmmaker Najam Yardo, being presented at the inaugural JAFF Market.

The project, produced by Hannan Cinthya under the Kreasi Angkasa Semesta – Arungi Films banner, follows 50-year-old Emma, who faces mounting medical bills for her son’s lymph node tuberculosis treatment while caring for her Alzheimer’s-afflicted father. After pawning her father’s house and turning to illegal gambling matches, Emma finds herself serving jail time, only to receive a shot at redemption through an official table tennis tournament.

For Yardo, the story stems from personal experience. “This story reflects my memories and journey in understanding and reconciling with my mother,” says the director. “It portrays a mother who must take on multiple roles in her life and a family surviving in unconventional ways.”

Producer Cinthya connected with the material through her own background. “When I met Najam and heard his vision for ‘Ping Pong,’ I felt a natural connection between our experiences,” she says. “His story about a single mother raising a child with a serious medical condition, despite their distant relationship, felt familiar to me.”

The film aims to balance its weighty themes with moments of levity. “The film is presented with a lighter approach through dark humor, absurdity, and vibrant characters, showcasing their unique ways of survival,” Yardo notes.

The project arrives at JAFF Market as Indonesian independent cinema faces both opportunities and challenges. “There’s growing support for independent cinema from film communities and international co-productions,” notes Cinthya, while pointing out hurdles including limited funding and marketing resources.

At JAFF Market, Cinthya aims to secure potential collaborations and distribution opportunities. “I see JAFF Market not only as a platform to showcase our film project but also as an opportunity to gain a broader perspective,” she says.

The inaugural JAFF Market runs Dec. 3-5 alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Yogyakarta (Jogja), providing a new platform for emerging Indonesian filmmakers to connect with industry professionals.

“Ping Pong” is at the market’s Future Project platform.

Source by Variety

By Naman Ramachandran

Indonesian film industry leaders outlined frameworks for effective brand partnerships during a panel at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival‘s JAFF Market, pointing to the sector’s development as a commercial platform.

Veteran producer Mira Lesmana (“What’s Up With Love?”, “Sherina’s Adventure”, “Gie”) emphasized a comprehensive approach to brand integration. “Brand activations can [easily] be built into the film’s ecosystem,” said Lesmana. “Be it on the social media assets, product placement, logo placements; brand engagement is meant to tie in with the film’s personality.”

Visinema Pictures chief Angga Dwimas Sasongko advised brands to consider the full scope of film production opportunities. “Film can be a marketing solution for the change of behavior of sales,” said Sasongko. “There’s pre and post production, then there’s also marketing and activations.”

Bank Central Asia’s vice president and head of digital marketing, Rendy Alimudin, stressed the long-term value proposition. “When collaborating with a film production, brands should look at it as a form of long-term investment,” said Alimudin.

Alimudin noted that while films may not drive immediate business conversion, they create lasting impact through social engagement. “Measurable impact comes from becoming the talk of the town; there’s social value that comes from the film [product] itself,” Alimudin explained. “There’s subtlety that’s needed, but the branding [creatively] also becomes a valuable point.”

The potential for audience targeting emerged as a key consideration. “Brands look at audienceship. The industry would definitely look into whether or not these audiences resonate with what they’re trying to sell. It’s a huge opportunity for businesses,” Sasongko said

Lesmana, who teased an upcoming third installment of “What’s Up With Love?” set in the early 2000s, addressed period-specific branding challenges. “When it comes to periodic films, there are alternative ways to include brands, there’s always a plausible bridging,” she said

Source By Variety

By Felicia Melody

Documentary “Sampai Mati” (Until Death), which explores the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings through the perspectives of Australian survivors and Balinese locals, is being presented at the inaugural JAFF Market in Yogyakarta.

The project, helmed by Australian director Ben Golotta and produced by Morgan Wright, brings a personal connection to the tragic events, as Golotta lost his cousin Angela in the attacks that claimed 202 lives.

“The story of the Bali Bombings is an incredibly significant part of my family’s past,” says Golotta. “This film will attempt to unravel the complex tapestry of emotions, memories and transformations that have shaped Bali and Australia in the aftermath of the 2002 tragedy.” The director aims to create a memorial to his cousin Angela and the other victims while ensuring the next generation understands the tragedy’s impact on both nations.

The documentary, currently in early development at Repeater Productions (Australia), pairs Golotta with Indonesian writer Putu Juli Sastrawan to capture both Australian and Indonesian perspectives on healing and resilience following the tragedy.

Producer Wright sees potential for international distribution. “At the JAFF market, I hope to connect with international distributors, industry professionals, and potential collaborators who share an interest in emotionally powerful, culturally rich documentaries,” notes Wright. The producer believes the film’s themes of recovery and resilience will resonate with global audiences.

Golotta views Indonesian co-production as key to the project’s development. “Partnering with Indonesian talent allows us to blend our cultures and create narratives that resonate deeply with both Australian and Indonesian viewers,” he says, citing Indonesia’s growing market as an opportunity for broader audience reach. The director emphasizes that cross-cultural storytelling can lead to innovative approaches that reflect shared experiences between the two nations.

The JAFF Market runs alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival from Dec. 3-5. “Sampai Mati” is at the market’s Future Project platform.

Source By Variety

By Naman Ramachandran

Film distribution strategies are changing with the times, according to panelists at Indonesia’s inaugural JAFF Market, with experts presenting contrasting approaches to reaching audiences.

Alternativa Film Projects, which launched in September 2023, approaches distribution through community screenings and discussions. “Film is a good starting point for change,” said Masha Shcherbakova, impact and community manager of the international non-profit organization. Their goal is to provide international recognition for filmmakers whose work can inspire social change.

“Sometimes the impact [they choose to take] after would be the reason they decide to watch a film,” Shcherbakova said, emphasizing community power in developing local film industries. She noted that viewers often find personal connections with films they watch, adding “There’s always still time […] to make the issues relevant.”

However, John Badalu, programming team member at Busan International Film Festival and producer of “Ave Maryam” and “What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love,” presented a different view of Indonesian filmmakers’ reality.

“It’s a little bit too late,” Badalu said regarding filmmakers’ delayed distribution planning. “Some countries get the funding and it ensures the distribution of [more] films. If you think you want a proper distribution, you’ll need a film sales agent.” He noted that in Indonesia, cinemas typically control screen numbers and release dates.

Supporting this position, Sebastien Chesneau, founder and CEO of Dubai-based sales agent Cercamon, advocated for using film sales agents. “[Often] first time filmmakers are encouraged to do the distribution themselves. [They] should research sales agents to ease their distribution process. Once you’re ready, you’ll know who to reach. Prepare a list of the 5-6 agents you wish to work with,” he said.

The JAFF Market takes place alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Yogyakarta (Jogja) from Dec. 3-5.

Source By Variety

By Felicia Melody

Leading Indonesian studio Magma Entertainment presented its upcoming slate and premiered new content at the ongoing Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) and JAFF Market, marking an expansion across multiple genres from 2025 through 2028.

The company screened nine minutes from “Qodrat 2,” the sequel to its hit 2022 film, with director Charles Gozali, producer Linda Gozali, editor Teguh Raharjo and newly-joined executive producer Dian Sastrowardoyo in attendance at the sold-out JAFF event.

Magma is also world premiering horror film “The Damnation” (“Tumbal Darah”), its first co-production with Wahana Kreator and Sinemaku Pictures, at JAFF. The film stars Martino Lio and Shallum Ratu Ke. Producer Salman Aristo cited Magma’s openness to “authentic stories” and creative freedom in the horror space.

Founded by siblings Charles and Linda Gozali, the children of pioneering Garuda Films producer, the late Hendrick Gozali, Magma was founded in 2003. The slate announcement detailed expansion of the “Qodrat” universe with “Qodrat 3” and “The Devil’s Lair” franchise. A partnership was signed with Komet Production for horror film “Dance of the Damned,” which will be a “Qodrat” spinoff.

New horror titles also include “Jump Scare” and Garuda Films remake “Sumpah Pocong.” The action category features “Perang Tanding,” “Death Trap,” “Luck” and Korean co-production “Kampung Kubur” with producer Choi Yoon.

Additional Garuda Films remakes are planned – “Lady in a Trap” (“Perempuan Dalam Pasungan”), “The Wedding” (“Ranjang Pengantin”) and “November Boys.”

The company acquired rights to folklore tale “Timun Mas” from Studio Caravan, with producer Linda Gozali noting its potential for international appeal.

Magma also hosted an action masterclass featuring Cecep Ruhian, Jonathan and Teguh Raharjo.

Source By Variety

By Naman Ramachandran

Netflix is building on its 2023 Series Pitch Lab success by conducting the Reel Life Film Camp in partnership with the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF). The initiative, backed by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, marks an expansion into Indonesia following its earlier run in Thailand.

The program selected 75 participants from over 600 applicants across Indonesia for online training in various film industry roles, including production assistance, accounting, post-production, sound design, special effects, and acting. Among these, 24 participants advanced to in-person sessions in Yogyakarta from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 during JAFF, followed by networking opportunities at the JAFF Market‘s Talent Day.

“The goal of Reel Life Film Camp is to drive the development of high-quality talent in the Indonesian film industry,” said Ruben Hattari, Netflix’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia. Top performers in production, accounting, and post-production assistance roles will gain work experience on Netflix Indonesia productions

Program participants received insights from “The Shadow Strays” creative team, including director Timo Tjahjanto, who shared his perspective on the film’s production: “Our vision was always to craft ‘The Shadow Strays’ with a cinematic approach. However, with the film available on Netflix, cinematic experiences are no longer limited to the big screen but can be enjoyed in diverse ways by audiences around the world.”

The initiative comes as Indonesia’s screen industry anticipates significant growth. PwC reports the sector currently employs 387,000 people, with projections showing an additional 616,000 jobs by 2027.

Producer Tia Hasibuan of Come and See Pictures praised the program’s structure: “The Reel Life Film Camp program is a long-awaited opportunity to attract fresh, talented individuals to the Indonesian film industry. The blend of online, offline, and on-the-job training made it exceptionally accessible for us to identify and bring in promising talent to contribute to our future productions.”

The program is part of Netflix’s broader commitment to creative equity, which has invested over $41 million globally, supporting more than 13,000 people through 200-plus programs across 50 countries. The company reports that over 450 program participants have secured positions on Netflix productions in various roles.

Source By Variety

By Naman Ramachandran

The Netherlands and Indonesia signed an audiovisual co-production agreement at the inaugural JAFF Market on Wednesday.

The treaty was signed by Indonesian Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo and Barbera Wolfensberger, Director-General of Culture and Media at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science for the Netherlands, with Dutch and Indonesian dignitaries present.

The bilateral treaty recognizes qualifying co-productions as national productions in both countries, opening access to subsidies including support from the Netherlands Film Fund and a potential 35% cash rebate through the Netherlands Film Production Incentive. It aims to foster creative partnerships between Dutch and Indonesian film professionals while preserving cultural identities of both nations. It provides legal clarity on co-production status and financial contributions, with mechanisms for artistic and technical collaboration between professionals from both countries.

The agreement establishes a framework for joint production of films, documentaries, animations and digital content between the two countries. It arrives as Indonesia positions itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s expanding film market.

The agreement emerged from growing demand for collaboration between independent filmmakers in both nations, leveraging their shared colonial history and combining Indonesia’s expanding film sector with Dutch production expertise.

“This joint production not only strengthens cultural ties between the two countries but also provides broader opportunities for our filmmakers to access global resources, including funding and international distribution,” Djumaryo said at the signing ceremony. “Through this collaboration, we hope Indonesian filmmakers’ works will gain more recognition on the world stage.”

“The treaty will open doors for Indonesian and Dutch filmmakers to collaborate on new and exciting projects, to combine their talents and expertise, and to bring to life stories that transcend borders and resonate with audiences around the globe,” Wolfensberger added.

The JAFF Market, Indonesia’s first major film marketplace, has drawn more than 100 production companies and distributors from both domestic and international markets. It takes place alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Yogyakarta (Jogja) from Dec. 3-5. The market represents Indonesia’s latest move to establish itself as a regional hub for film production and distribution.