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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.

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 Batavia, Locust, 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.

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.

The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is gearing up for the second edition of JAFF Market at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta.

The industry platform returns following a successful inaugural run in 2024 that drew 6,700 participants from 19 countries, featured 151 exhibition booths, and facilitated 63 business deals totaling around IDR36 billion ($2.2 million). The event forms part of JAFF’s 20th anniversary celebrations as one of Asia Pacific’s leading film festivals.

“JAFF Market was born from JAFF’s long-standing commitment to champion Asian independent cinema,” said Ifa Isfansyah, festival director of JAFF. “We now expand that vision by building an industry-facing space designed to meet today’s demands – one that helps Indonesian stories thrive and compete globally.”
The second edition maintains the six core programs designed to activate the creative value chain: JAFF Future Project for project incubation, Content Market for IP showcase and business matchmaking, Talent Day for emerging talent mentorship, Film & Market Conference for industry dialogues, Market Screening for private buyer screenings, and Film Lab for project development workshops.

The 2025 edition will present 12 films across three days in the JAFF Future Project, targeting Asia-Pacific region participants who incorporate Indonesian elements. The Content Market will showcase 10 IPs for adaptation opportunities, while Talent Day continues its collaboration with major industry players following last year’s partnership with Netflix.

Film Lab opens to five selected development-stage projects focusing on international co-production opportunities, targeting first or second-time feature directors. The Film & Market Conference partners again with APROFI (Indonesian Film Producers Association) to cover themes from talent and creativity to financing, innovation, and regulations.

Vice Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha said: “The government sees JAFF Market as a key partner in driving sustainable growth within the film industry. This platform brings together industry players, as well as laying the foundation for much-needed cross-sector collaboration – essential for positioning Indonesian cinema as both a cultural force and an economic driver in the region.”

Indonesian cinema faces structural challenges despite growing interest. As of May 2025, cinema admissions reached 35 million – 44% of 2024’s 80+ million total – but the country operates with just over 2,200 screens nationwide, creating distribution and IP monetization bottlenecks.

“Our goal is to position JAFF Market as a catalyst for growth across the national film ecosystem – from generating ideas and developing talents to distribution strategies and long-term partnerships,” said Linda Gozali, market director of JAFF Market. “We’re here to bridge Indonesian content with real-world opportunities – both locally and internationally.”

Alumni from JAFF Market 2024 have already made global impact. “Pangku,” a feature by Reza Rahadian, was selected for HAF Goes to Cannes at Marché du Film 2025, while three IP titles – “Bandits of Batavia,” “Jitu,” and “Locust” – successfully participated in the IP Pitching Forum in Cannes.

Early indicators show strong momentum for 2025, with more than 50% of booths already secured and rising sponsor interest. The event positions itself strategically at the end of Southeast Asia’s industry market calendar.

JAFF Market 2025, powered by principal sponsor Amar Bank, runs Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Submissions open July 15-Sept. 10 for most programs, with Content Market submissions closing Aug. 15. The full JAFF festival runs Nov. 29-Dec. 6.

By Naman Ramachandran

President Director of Amar Bank, Vishal Tulsian (left) expressed his full support for JAFF Market 2025 as an initial step in fostering synergy between the digital banking industry and the national film ecosystem. Marked by the symbolic handover of a clapperboard to the President Director of JAFF Market, Linda Gozali (right), this collaboration aims to optimize the potential of Indonesian film works while encouraging the growth of an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive film industry on the global stage

Entering its second year, JAFF Market—the first and largest platform in Indonesia for the Indonesian film industry—is collaborating with Amar Bank as a form of synergy between the financial technology industry and the national film ecosystem. This collaboration aims to optimize the potential of Indonesian film works while encouraging the growth of an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive film industry on the global stage.

by Isra Triansyah

The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) delegation has arrived at the Cannes Film Festival with plans to showcase Indonesia‘s burgeoning creative industries on the global stage.

As JAFF prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, its industry platform JAFF Market is leveraging the festival to highlight multiple Indonesian projects and forge international partnerships.

Leading the Indonesian contingent is “Pangku,” the directorial debut from celebrated actor Reza Rahadian. The coming-of-age drama, set against Indonesia’s 1998 economic crisis, was first unveiled at JAFF Future Project 2024 where it secured the White Light Post-Production Award. The film will screen in the ‘HAF Goes to Cannes’ program at Marché du Film.

Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), Indonesia’s largest and longest-running film festival, proudly announces its 20th edition, taking place from November 29 – December 6, 2025. Marking two decades of its journey, JAFF continues to serve as a premier platform for Asian filmmakers to celebrate, share, and develop the cinematic ecosystem.

Over the years, JAFF has been honored by the presence of esteemed figures such as Tsai Mingliang, renowned master director; Kim Dong-ho, founder of the Busan International Film Festival; Julien Rejl, artistic director of Cannes Directors’ Fortnight; Lee Kang Sheng, Taiwanese actor & director; Kristy Matheson, Director of BFI London Film Festival; and Park Sung Ho, Busan International Film Festival’s programmer. Their participation underscores JAFF’s significance in the global film community.

In 2024, the Indonesian box office achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 80 million admissions, with local films capturing a 65% market share. Notably, the closing film of JAFF 2024, “A Brother and 7 Siblings,” emerged as a box office hit, reflecting the festival’s role in spotlighting impactful cinema.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, JAFF MARKET will return on November 29 – December 1, 2025, providing a vital space for industry players to expand networks, explore collaboration opportunities, and strengthen Indonesia’s film industry on a global scale. “There are two key moments that make JAFF especially significant this year: the celebration of the festival’s 20th edition and the continuation of JAFF MARKET’s second edition following its remarkable success in its inaugural year. We will seize these moments to further strengthen JAFF’s position in supporting the culture and film industry in Indonesia. We are preparing a grand celebration to mark the festival’s 20-year journey, while this year’s JAFF MARKET will provide even more space for exhibitors and international film industry players,” said Ifa Isfansyah, Festival Director of JAFF & Chairman of JAFF MARKET.

JAFF distinguishes itself as the only film festival in Indonesia that unites key industry players, including Netflix, Vidio, MD Entertainment, Miles Films, Visinema, and more. Additionally, it collaborates with over 100 grassroots film communities from across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, fostering a diverse and inclusive cinematic environment.

In 2024, JAFF recorded 24,462 visitors over eight days, reaffirming its position as the most dynamic film festival in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the three-day JAFF MARKET (December 3–5, 2024) successfully hosted 151 booths from various industry sectors and attracted 6,723 participants, including producers, distributors, investors, and leading streaming platforms.

The debut of JAFF MARKET immediately captured the attention of the international industry. Choi Yoonhee, CEO of Barunson E&A, recognized JAFF MARKET as a strategic platform for connecting with Indonesia’s film industry. “We have been captivated by Indonesian cinema for years. One of Barunson E&A’s key focuses is collaborating with partners who share our vision of bringing extraordinary Indonesian films to both local and global markets. JAFF MARKET provides an integrated platform that gathers key industry players in one place, offering excellent programs
to understand the business and market direction of Indonesian cinema,” said Choi Yoonhee.

Renowned filmmaker Anthony Chen, who attended JAFF MARKET 2024, also highlighted the growth of Indonesia’s film industry and the emergence of promising new talents. “I have worked as a co-producer on several Indonesian films and have observed from afar the incredible energy emerging from this country. That’s why I was excited to experience Indonesian films from a local audience’s perspective and to discover new talents from a region that seems to hold limitless possibilities,” he said.

Returning bigger and more innovative, JAFF and JAFF MARKET 2025 will be a crucial meeting point for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and investors, reinforcing the film industry ecosystem in Indonesia and across Asia.
Save the Dates!
● JAFF 20 Film Submission Opens: March 1, 2025
● JAFF MARKET Booth Registration Opens: July 17, 2025
● JAFF 20: November 29 – December 6, 2025
● JAFF MARKET: November 29 – December 1, 2025

Rouven Linnarz

Indonesia’s Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) will mark its 20th anniversary with an expanded edition running Nov. 29-Dec. 6, in Yogyakarta. The festival will continue its JAFF Market component for a second year, running Nov. 29-Dec. 1.

The market’s inaugural 2024 edition proved a success, hosting 151 booths and attracting 6,723 participants including producers, distributors, investors and streaming platforms. The main festival drew 24,462 visitors across its eight-day run.

“There are two key moments that make JAFF especially significant this year: the celebration of the festival’s 20th edition and the continuation of JAFF Market’s second edition following its remarkable success in its inaugural year. We will seize these moments to further strengthen JAFF’s position in supporting the culture and film industry in Indonesia. We are preparing a grand celebration to mark the festival’s 20-year journey, while this year’s JAFF Market will provide even more space for exhibitors and international film industry players,” said Ifa Isfansyah, festival director of JAFF and chair of JAFF Market.

The announcement comes as Indonesian cinema reaches new heights, with local films capturing 65% market share and total box office admissions surpassing 80 million in 2024. The festival’s 2024 closing film, “A Brother and 7 Siblings,” emerged as a box office hit.

JAFF has attracted major industry figures over the years, including auteur Tsai Ming-liang, Busan fest founder Kim Dong-ho, Cannes Directors’ Fortnight artistic director Julien Rejl, and BFI London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson.

The market component has already gained international attention. “We have been captivated by Indonesian cinema for years. One of Barunson E&A’s key focuses is collaborating with partners who share our vision of bringing extraordinary Indonesian films to both local and global markets. JAFF Market provides an integrated platform that gathers key industry players in one place, offering excellent programs to understand the business and market direction of Indonesian cinema,” said Choi Yoonhee, CEO of Korean sales and production company Barunson E&A.

Filmmaker Anthony Chen, who served on the 2024 festival jury and attended the market, noted the region’s potential: “I have worked as a co-producer on several Indonesian films and have observed from afar the incredible energy emerging from this country. That’s why I was excited to experience Indonesian films from a local audience’s perspective and to discover new talents from a region that seems to hold limitless possibilities.”

JAFF distinguishes itself as Indonesia’s only film festival uniting major industry players including Netflix, Vidio, MD Entertainment, Miles Films and Visinema. The festival also maintains partnerships with over 100 grassroots film communities across Indonesia’s archipelago.

Film submissions for JAFF’s 20th edition open March 1, with market booth registration beginning July 17.

Jogja NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is ready to greet film lovers again in its 20th edition which will take place on November 29 – December 6, 2025.

As the largest and longest-running film festival in Indonesia, JAFF continues to be the premier platform for Asian filmmakers to celebrate, share, and develop the film ecosystem.

Over the past 19 editions, JAFF has become a stage for many big names in the film industry, both from Asia and the world. Figures such as Tsai Ming-liang, maestro director from Taiwan; Kim Dong-ho, founder of Busan International Film Festival; to Julien Rejl, artistic director of Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, have attended the festival.

Not only that, JAFF has also welcomed Lee Kang-sheng, a renowned actor and director from Taiwan; Kristy Matheson, Director of the BFI London Film Festival; and Park Sung-ho, programmer of the Busan International Film Festival. Their presence confirms JAFF as an event that counts in the global arena, as well as a bridge for Asian filmmakers to gain wider exposure in the international film industry.

Interestingly, JAFF MARKET will be held again on November 29 – December 1, 2025, continuing the success of the previous edition. As one of the flagship programs, JAFF MARKET is a strategic platform for film industry players to expand networks, explore collaboration opportunities, and open access for Indonesian films in the global market.

“We are preparing a big celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the festival, while this year’s JAFF Market will present a wider space for exhibitors and international film industry players,” said Ifa Isfansyah, Festival Director of JAFF & Chairman of JAFF MARKET, in a press release received by Medcom.id.

JAFF is not just a movie screening event, but also a meeting place for major players in the film industry, from Netflix, Vidio, MD Entertainment, to Visinema. Not only that, the festival collaborates with more than 80 film communities from across Indonesia, creating a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem.

In its 19th edition in 2024, JAFF recorded a remarkable achievement with 24,462 visitors in eight days of organization, further confirming its position as the most dynamic film festival in Southeast Asia.

On the other hand, the three-day JAFF MARKET (December 3-5, 2024) also showed significant growth. With 151 booths from various industry sectors, the event successfully attracted 6,723 participants, including producers, distributors, investors, and representatives from leading streaming platforms.

Singaporean director Anthony Chen also appreciated the rapid development of Indonesia’s film industry. He also highlighted the emergence of promising new talents, signaling a bright future for Indonesian cinema in the international arena.

“I have worked as a co-producer in several Indonesian films and observed from afar the incredible energy that is emerging from this country. Therefore, I am excited to experience Indonesian films through the perspective of local audiences and discover new talents emerging from a region that seems to have endless possibilities,” said Chen.

JAFF and JAFF MARKET 2025 return with a larger scale and fresher innovations. This year, the festival is poised to become a strategic platform for filmmakers, producers, distributors, and investors to collaborate and strengthen the Indonesian and Asian film ecosystem.

Here are the dates of JAFF & JAFF MARKET 2025:
JAFF 20: November 29 – December 6, 2025
JAFF MARKET: November 29 – December 1, 2025
JAFF 20 Open Submission: Starting March 1, 2025
JAFF MARKET Booth Registration: Starting July 17, 2025
(Basuki Rachmat)

The inaugural edition of JAFF Market became a new platform for Asian filmmakers to network and collaborate, strengthening the Indonesian film ecosystem.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) this year introduced JAFF Market, a new initiative that will take place on December 3-5, 2024 in Yogyakarta. The event is presented as a networking medium for the Indonesian film ecosystem.

A New Medium for Indonesian Cinema

Linda Gozali, Director of JAFF Market, revealed that JAFF Market is a special momentum for the film world in the country. “We want there to be a lot of interaction. So the opportunity to connect with each other is very wide and open,” she told Tempo, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Linda emphasized that the focus of JAFF Market is not only on filmmakers or production houses, but also on the distinctiveness and identity of local filmmakers. For this reason, film communities from Yogyakarta also get space to appear. “There are around 70-80 communities in Jogja itself. There will also be a showcase,” he said.

Showcasing the New Generation of Film

JAFF Market seeks to embrace all elements in the film industry. One of them is by holding a Talent Day sponsored by Netflix. The program is designed to showcase new talent in various fields, including special effects, sound design, and post-production management.

“There are those who we have curated, have been in the industry, but are not well known. So we are introducing the rising stars that are coming, hopefully,” he said.

The 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), which carries the theme ‘Metanoia’, will be held from November 30 to December 7, 2024. This theme reflects the continuous transformation of Asian cinema in facing global challenges. This year, JAFF presents 180 films from 25 Asia Pacific countries in competition and non-competition programs.

There are 12 feature films competing in the Main Competition for the Golden and Silver Hanoman Awards, including Viet and Nam by director Truong Minh Quy from Vietnam and In the Land of Brothers by Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Ghasemi.

Additionally, in the Light of Asia category, 18 short films competed for the Blencong Awards. Another competition is the JAFF Indonesian Screen Awards. Not only that, 6 Indonesian films will also compete in the JAFF Indonesian Screen Awards program for the Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenwriter, Best Cast, and Best Cinematography awards.

Source By Tempo