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.
Miles Films revealed plans to commence production on “Rangga & Cinta,” the third part of the blockbuster drama-romance franchise that began with 2002’s “What’s Up With Love?” and continued with a 2016 sequel. The third part is backed by Korea’s Barunson E&A and Indonesia’s Imajinari. The announcement came during the closing ceremony, which featured students from SMKN 2 Kasihan Bantul and SMM Yogyakarta performing songs from “What’s Up With Love?”
The three-day market demonstrated strong international appeal, drawing 6,723 attendees from 18 territories. Industry activity buzzed across 151 exhibitor booths, generating 1,767 meetings and culminating in 61 memorandums of understanding. The market distributed 1,054 badges.
The market’s project incubator, JAFF Future Project, reviewed 74 submissions before selecting its final slate of 10 projects – seven Indonesian, one Malaysian, and two Australian. The program facilitated 243 meetings across its run.
On the diplomatic front, the Indonesian Ministry of Culture strengthened ties with the Netherlands through an audiovisual co-production agreement. The pact, signed by Barbera Wolfensberger, Director-General of Culture and Media at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science for the Netherlands, and Indonesian Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, opens pathways for filmmakers from both nations to access government funding.
Leading Indonesian studio Magma Entertainment capitalized on the market’s momentum, inking fresh partnerships with Malaysia’s Komet Productions and Caravan Studio and unveiling a 2025-2028 slate.
“The high enthusiasm of film industry players in Indonesia was evident in the number of meetings recorded throughout the event,” said JAFF Market executive director Ajish Dibyo. “This is seen as a sign that the Indonesian film industry is open to collaboration, both within Indonesia and internationally.”
By Naman Ramachandran
