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.
By Naman Ramachandran
