Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival: A Hub for Indonesian Film Success

The 19th edition of Indonesia’s Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) was its most successful yet, and the inaugural JAFF Market proved to be a brilliant initiative. Variety was there to witness both, and the signs are undeniably positive for Indonesian cinema.

Indonesia’s Growing Cinematic Powerhouse

Indonesian films are conquering global stages, regularly winning awards at prestigious international festivals. With the fourth-largest population in the world (283 million), the local market is booming, with homegrown productions claiming a significant share. Indonesia’s commitment to its cultural landscape is evident through initiatives like an annual $13 million international co-production grant, further solidifying its position as a rising star in the film world.

JAFF: An Energetic Platform for Collaboration and Growth

JAFF Market buzzed with energy, attracting 6,723 attendees from 18 territories, including the crème de la crème of the Indonesian film industry. The three-day event saw 151 exhibitor booths, 1,767 meetings, and 61 memorandums of understanding signed, culminating in a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaboration. With over 24,000 attendees marking its highest turnout since 2006, the festival itself was a testament to Indonesia’s thriving film scene.

“I’ve experienced through the festival, an amazing creative energy. The vibe is just so, so high here. It’s it’s really lovely. It’s really beautiful,” Lavesh M. Samtani, of Mandela Pictures, producer of JAFF closing night film “A Brother and 7 Siblings,” told Variety.

Expanding Horizons: Co-Productions Take Center Stage

JAFF Market prioritized international co-productions with several significant developments:

• An Indonesia-Netherlands audiovisual co-production agreement was signed, fostering new collaborations and storytelling possibilities.
• An Indonesia-France Film Lab aims to strengthen the mutual ecosystem between the film industries of both countries.
• A deepened collaboration between the Producers Guild of Korea and the Association of Indonesian Film Producers with a focus on the horror genre.
• Two projects at the JAFF Future Project platform were identified as Australian co-productions.

“This particular festival is unique in its own way compared to the other festivals that we normally go to, especially the markets. It doesn’t just allow people or production houses to showcase their final product, but [also] for the next up and coming generation as well, for them to bring their idea to the next level, because it’s a source of where they can actually find other people in the industry that can complete their whole project as well,” said Netflix’s Hattari. “That’s very unique. And I see a lot of that happening. I see a lot of connections happening.”

Upskilling for a Brighter Future

Netflix, recognizing the importance of talent development, built on its 2023 Series Pitch Lab success by conducting the Reel Life Film Camp in partnership with JAFF. The initiative, supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, selected 75 participants from 600+ applicants for online training in various roles, from production assistance to VFX. 24 participants advanced to in-person sessions in Jogja during JAFF, connecting with industry professionals at the JAFF Market’s Talent Day.