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