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Indonesia‘s Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) will unveil its inaugural JAFF Market in December. The initiative was announced at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday.

This new three-day event aims to reshape the Indonesian film industry by fostering networking, innovation and collaboration among various sectors.

Since its start in 2006, JAFF has played a crucial role in nurturing Indonesian cinema, helping many filmmakers rise. “JAFF has consistently strengthened the film ecosystem,” said festival director Ifa Isfansyah.

The JAFF Market will cover 10,000 square meters, featuring over 150 booths with production companies, content creators and service providers. Leading the initiative is experienced producer Linda Gozali, former secretary-general of the Indonesian Film Festival. “We look forward to creating new connections and opportunities,” said Gozali.

The event highlights the rapid post-pandemic recovery of Indonesia’s film industry, which saw local films capture 61% of the market in 2022. The industry fully rebounded in 2023. Despite being the largest market in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s screen industry lacked a dedicated showcase. JAFF Market aims to fill this gap by becoming Indonesia’s largest film and content marketplace, uniting professionals, emerging talents and key stakeholders.

Developed with support from the country’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, JAFF Market seeks to enhance Indonesia’s international film presence. “JAFF’s initiative will facilitate easier access for the international community,” said Ahmad Mahendra, director of film, music and media at the Ministry.

Indonesia’s screen industry, with an economic impact of over $8 trillion and employing 387,000 people, per data provided by JAFF, is poised for further growth. JAFF Market’s various programs – including a project market led by producer Meiske Taurisia – aims to help emerging filmmakers connect with industry professionals to develop high-quality projects. Taurisia has been involved in organizing the LOCK Full Circle Lab, alongside Yulia Evina Bhara, Muhammad Zaidy and Vivian Idris.

Filmmaker Angga Sasongko, who is the CEO of the Visinema Group, and Falcon Pictures’ H.B. Naveen both emphasize JAFF Market’s potential to be a central hub for the Indonesian film industry. “It’s fitting for Indonesia to showcase its industrial strength,” said Naveen.

JAFF Market takes place Dec. 3-5 at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The film festival runs Nov. 30-Dec. 7.

Source By Variety

Indonesia’s film industry took a significant step forward with the launch of JAFF Market 2024, the country’s first large-scale film market, which kicked off Tuesday at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta, commonly known as Jogja.

The three-day event, running Dec. 3-5 as part of the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), brings together more than 100 film companies from both domestic and international markets, positioning Indonesia to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia’s entertainment sector.

“JAFF Market is a strategic step that brings together over 100 national and international film companies. This participation highlights the industry’s great enthusiasm for strengthening Indonesia’s film ecosystem,” said Culture Minister Dr. Fadly Zon at the opening ceremony.

The market emerges after two years of development, backed by the Ministry of Culture through Dana Indonesiana funding. The initiative gathered momentum through focus group discussions in the post-pandemic period, securing support across the industry spectrum from government entities to production studios.

Indonesia‘s JAFF Market is set to welcome two Australian projects at its JAFF Future Project platform, marking a collaboration with Adelaide Film Festival (AFF). The inaugural JAFF Market takes place alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in Yogyakarta from Dec. 3-5.

The partnership, backed by the Australian Government, brings “Raesita Grey” from Katrina Irawati Graham and “Until Death” from Ben Golotta to the lineup. AFF will support two core team members, including producers, from each project to attend.

The initiative extends AFF’s existing relationship with JAFF and brings mylab, an international development initiative with participants from across Asia, on board as a new collaborator. “The AFF and Jogja NETPAC Asian Film Festival Exchange has been an incredibly satisfying experience,” said Mat Kesting, AFF’s CEO and creative director.

JAFF Market chair Ifa Isfansyah and mylab Curator Lorna Tee expressed confidence in fostering “more fruitful connections and vibrant exchanges” between Indonesian, Asian and Australian film industries.

Eight additional projects were selected by Indonesian committee members Yulia Evina Bhara, Muhammad Zaidy and Vivian Idris, including “Love Unwanted” from acclaimed Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian in his fourth visit to the director’s chair after two features and a series.

JAFF Future Project head Meiske Taurisia notes the selection spans various genres and development stages, targeting diverse investor interests. The market’s partners include White Light Post (Thailand), Kongchak Studio (Cambodia), and BSM Equipment (Indonesia).

JAFF Future Project Selections

“All Things Real And Unreal” (Segala Yang Semu Dan Nyata)
Director-writer: Paul Agusta
Producer: Bunga Ineza
Company: Kapsul Waktu Studio (Indonesia)
Genre: Drama

“Kancil”
Director: Adriano Rudiman
Producer: Novia Puspa Sari
Writers: Widya Arifianti & Ziyanshafa
Company: Visinema (Indonesia)
Genre: Animation

“Love Unwanted” (Pangku)
Director: Reza Rahadian
Producer: Arya Ibrahim/ Coproducer: Gita Fara
Writer: Felix Nesi
Company: Gambar Gerak (Indonesia)
Genre: Drama

“Me, My Mother’s Favorite Monkey” (Aku, Monyet Kesayangan Ibuku)
Director/ Writer: Ivonne Kani
Producer: Frederica Nancy
Company: Kani Studio (Indonesia)
Genre: Documentary

“Ping Pong”
Director: Najam Yardo
Producer: Hannan Cinthya
Writer: Hafizu Sandro
Company: Kreasi Angkasa Semesta – Arungi Films (Indonesia)
Genre: Family Drama

“The Light of Fire” (Tinju Api)
Director-writer: Sesarini
Producers: Lyza Anggraheni, Ismail Basbeth
Company: Ruang Basbeth Bercerita (Indonesia)
Genre: Action/ Coming of Age

“The Silent Village” (Aman/Damai)
Director-writer: Ho Yuhang
Producer: Lorna Tee
Co-Writer: Prima Rusdi
Company: Paperheart (Malaysia)
Genre: Crime Thriller

“The Tiger”
Director: Ardiansah Sulistiana
Producer/ Writer: Aris Nugraha
Company: ANP Films (Indonesia)
Genre: Action

Australian Projects Selected by AFF, JAFF Market, mylab

“Raesita Grey”
Director-producer-writer: Katrina Irawati Graham
Producer: Ana Tiwary
Genre: Horror Drama

“Until Death” (Sampai Mati)
Director-producer: Ben Golotta
Producer: Morgan Wright
Writer: Putu Juli Sastrawan
Company: Repeater Productions (Australia)
Genre: Documentary

Source

JOGJA-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) will host its inaugural industry event, JAFF Market, a platform intended as a hub and showcase for the Indonesian film industry.

In its 19th year, JAFF will hold its inaugural industry event, titled JAFF Market.

JAFF Market was initiated in response to the rapid growth of JAFF over the past few years, which has organically become a hub for industry professionals with emerging talents in Indonesia.

With more than 18 years of consistency, JAFF has been able to attract more than 10,000 visitors each year, including professionals, emerging talents, media, and companies engaged in the film production and exhibition sector. In other words, JAFF has become an important agenda that brings together all stakeholders in the film ecosystem.

“Since its establishment in 2006, JAFF has consistently contributed to strengthening and stimulating the film ecosystem for the Indonesian film industry. Many new filmmakers have emerged from this festival,” said JAFF Festival Director Ifa Isfansyah, after announcing JAFF Market in a series of Cannes Film Festival agenda in Cannes, France, Thursday (16/5).

This year, JAFF will take place from November 30 to December 7, 2024, at XXI Empire Yogyakarta.

During the festival, JAFF Market will be held in parallel for three days on 3-5 December 2024 at Jogja Expo Center (JEC).

With an area of 10 thousand square meters, the venue can accommodate more than 150 booths. Various sectors of the Indonesian film industry will participate in this exhibition, including film companies, content creators, service providers, and related institutions in the film industry.

Linda Ghozali, a film producer who was previously the Secretary General of the Indonesian Film Festival, has been appointed to head up this year’s inaugural edition of JAFF Market.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity. With the introduction of JAFF Market, new opportunities for the Indonesian film industry will open up and further boost its growth,” said Linda Ghozali.

In addition to the exhibition, JAFF Market will also feature various programs, including JAFF Future Project, Content Market, Talent Days, Company Showcase, Film Lab, Film Conferences, and Networking Events.

Project Market is one of the focus programs designed as a platform to connect new film talent with industry professionals.

One of the missions of the Project Market program is to explore and develop the potential of high-quality feature film projects born by new talents in Indonesian cinema.

The program is headed by film producer Meiske Taurisia who is heavily involved in organizing the LOCK Full Circle Lab working with film producers Yulia Evina Bhara, Muhammad Zaidy and Vivian Idris.

“Every year, many new talents emerge in the world of Indonesian cinema with film projects that have potential. The Project Market at JAFF Market is designed to discover and support these projects, giving them a greater chance of being realized,” said Meiske.

The JAFF Market program is a joint development with the Ministry of Education and Culture. Director of Film, Music and Media at the Ministry, Ahmad Mahendra, said the JAFF Market program will receive support from the government as a form of commitment in supporting the development of the Indonesian film industry.

“JAFF’s initiative to organize JAFF Market will facilitate access to the Indonesian film industry for the international community,” said Ahmad Mahendra, Director of Film, Music and Media at the Ministry of Research and Technology. (Z-1)

Source

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