JAFF Encourages Filmmakers to Join JAFF Market to Build Connections

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is encouraging aspiring Indonesian filmmakers to build strong and lasting connections with the global film industry by registering for the JAFF Market program.

In a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, JAFF Market Director Linda Gozali said that these opportunities for connection are provided through initiatives such as the JAFF Future Project and the JAFF Content Market.

Through these two programs, JAFF Market plays a role in strategically synergizing with filmmakers by providing a platform that fosters the growth of the film industry in the Asia-Pacific region in general, including Indonesia.

The JAFF Market program not only offers connections for creative development, but also strengthens pathways for distribution, partnerships, and cross-sector innovation.

As the Secretary General of the Indonesian Film Producers Association (Aprofi), Linda emphasized that JAFF Market is committed to showcasing the best narratives from Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region on the world stage.

She noted that during its inaugural edition in 2024, JAFF Market successfully supported a number of Indonesian filmmakers and film projects in reaching the Marché du Film (MdF) at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

One such project was Pangku (On Your Lap), the directorial debut of actor Reza Rahadian, which gained recognition through the JAFF Future Project 2024.

The film went on to win the White Light Post-Production Award and was featured at the Cannes International Film Festival 2025 as part of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) “Goes to Cannes” program.

In addition, at Cannes, JAFF Market also brought three original intellectual properties (IPs) from the JAFF Content Market 2024 to the “Spotlight Asia” program.

For its second edition, the JAFF Future Project is collaborating with the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF). This partnership expands opportunities for filmmakers to present or pitch their story ideas directly to international investors.

The opportunity is also open to film projects that have already entered early production stages, whether still in development, pre-production, or currently in progress.

JAFF Market Head of Program Gita Fara added that selected applicants will be granted exclusive access to opportunities such as pitching in front of producers, buyers, and decision-makers from across Asia and around the globe.

They will also gain access to one-on-one sessions with potential partners, promotional and publicity exposure through JAFF Market’s official materials, and full access to the entire series of JAFF Market events.

Submissions, whether film projects or original IPs, can be made from August 1 to September 1, 2025, through the online application available at www.jaff-market.com.

JAFF Future Project and JAFF Content Market Return, Mark the Submission Deadline

Participants of the JAFF Future Project 2024. (Image courtesy of JAFF Market)

The JAFF Future Project and JAFF Content Market return as part of JAFF Market, which will take place on November 29 – December 1, 2025, in Yogyakarta. Open to support the development of Asia-Pacific film projects and the international circulation of Indonesian content, filmmakers and original intellectual property (IP) creators are now invited to submit their works.

Submissions can be made through the online application at www.jaff-market.com from August 1 to September 1, 2025. Both the JAFF Future Project and the JAFF Content Market are recognized as key platforms driving the growth of the Asian film industry. Beyond highlighting creative aspects, they also strengthen distribution channels, partnerships, and cross-sector innovation.

JAFF Market Director Linda Gozali emphasized that JAFF Market serves as a strategic platform for building long-term connectivity among industry players. “Through JAFF Future Project and JAFF Content Market, we aim to strengthen Indonesia’s and Asia’s position as sources of narratives, innovation, and market opportunities. It is not only about the content or the market, but also about the strategy,” stated on Tuesday (Aug 26, 2025).

This year, the JAFF Future Project continues its partnership with the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) through the AFF Festival Bridges initiative, supported by the Australian Government, to provide broader international access for selected participants through opportunities for cross-festival collaboration and pitching.

The feature film incubation program is open to submissions from the Asia-Pacific region for projects in the stages of In-Development, Pre-Production, or Work-in-Progress, including both fiction and documentary. Through pitching sessions and industry networking, JAFF Future Project serves as a launching pad for emerging filmmakers to bring their projects closer to realization.

Meanwhile, the JAFF Content Market focuses on original IP works with adaptation potential which ranging from books, comics, games, and songs to digital content. It encourages Indonesian IP owners to expand distribution reach and unlock adaptation opportunities across formats, from feature films and digital platforms to potential franchises.

JAFF Market Head of Program Gita Fara stated that JAFF Market ensures every selected project receives relevant support to expand its reach and impact. According to her, both JAFF Future Project and JAFF Content Market serve as strategic accelerators for the film industry, not only expediting the development of new works but also providing a platform to showcase new talents from Indonesia and Asia to a wider audience.

“Through this initiative, we are committed to opening access to collaboration, networks, and funding opportunities that can foster creative growth while strengthening the position of Indonesian and Asian cinema on the global stage,” she explained.

This year, selected participants from JAFF Future Project and JAFF Content Market will be granted exclusive access to opportunities such as pitching in front of producers, buyers, and decision-makers from across Asia and around the globe. They will also gain access to one-on-one sessions with potential partners, promotional and publicity exposure through JAFF Market’s official materials, and full access to the entire series of JAFF Market events.

During its inaugural edition in 2024, JAFF Market supported a number of Indonesian filmmakers, studios, producers, and projects in participating at Cannes. One highlight was Pangku, a coming-of-age drama set during the 1998 Indonesian economic crisis and the directorial debut of acclaimed Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian.

First introduced through the JAFF Future Project 2024, the film won the White Light Post-Production Award and was screened in the HAF Goes to Cannes program at the 2025 Marché du Film, representing the strength of Indonesian cinematic storytelling.

In addition to Pangku, three original IP projects from the JAFF Content Market 2024 were also brought to the Spotlight Asia – Asian IP Showcase: Showbox Masterclass & Pitching Session at the Marché du Film, underscoring JAFF Market’s commitment to elevating Indonesia’s rich stories and culture onto the world stage.

JAFF Market Opens Submissions for Filmmakers and Creators Across Asia

The Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) Market is thrilled to announce that submissions are now officially open for the 2025 edition of JAFF Future Project and JAFF Content Market, inviting filmmakers and IP creators from Indonesia and the wider Asian region to seize this exceptional opportunity.

Entering its second year, the initiative is tailored to foster creative development, strengthen distribution channels, build industry partnerships, and elevate cross-sector collaborations.

Key Highlights:

  • JAFF Future Project (In partnership with Adelaide Film Festival’s AFF Festival Bridges program): Designed for feature-length projects—fiction or documentary—in the development, pre-production, or works-in-progress stages. Selected projects will gain privileged access to pitching sessions, industry matchmaking, and networking opportunities aimed at accelerating production pathways.
  • JAFF Content Market: Focused on market-ready original IP—spanning books, comics, games, music, non-fiction works, films, series, animation, and more. Intended for IP creators who wish to explore adaptation potential, distribution reach, and franchise development. Participants will connect directly with decision-makers including buyers, production partners, and platforms.
  • Submission Deadline: 1 September 2025, 11:59 PM (GMT+7). Rules and regulations are detailed on the JAFF Market website’s respective pages for each initiative.

JAFF Market’s Global Track Record

Building on its successful 2024 edition, JAFF Market continues to highlight the vibrancy of Indonesian storytelling on the world stage:

  • Pangku (On Your Lap)—an alumni of JAFF Future Project—won the White Light Post-Production Award and earned a spot in the HAF Goes to Cannes program at the Marché du Film.
  • Three original IP projects from the 2024 Content Market—Bandits of BataviaLocust, and Jitu—were showcased in the Spotlight Asia – Asian IP Showcase during the Showbox Masterclass & Pitching Session at Marché du Film.

These accomplishments underscore JAFF Market’s mission to promote Indonesian and Asian narratives globally.

Applying Is Easy

Prospective applicants can submit their projects online at www.jaff-market.com. Be sure to review the rules and regulations for each category prior to applying.

About JAFF Market

The JAFF Market is Asia’s premier film and content marketplace, offering filmmakers and IP creators unparalleled guidance, networking, and exposure. Held annually in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, it serves as a dynamic platform linking creative minds across Asia with global platforms, partners, and opportunities.