Kanya Iwana’s Debut Feature ‘Ibu’ Explores Generational Trauma at JAFF Future Project

Indonesia’s Mandela Pictures and Desert Bloom Pictures from Korea have announced a partnership to develop four films, revealed at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta. This collaboration aims to connect the Indonesian, Korean, and Hollywood film markets, leveraging Desert Bloom's success in Korean cinema alongside Mandela's regional expertise.

The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is collaborating with the Asian Film Awards Academy for the second year to present a showcase of Hong Kong cinema in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from November 30 to December 4. This year's program, titled 'Together We Dare to Direct,' will feature a masterclass with renowned director Ann Hui and highlight works from various generations of filmmakers.

Park Ki-yong, the former chair of the Korean Film Council, is returning to directing with a new project titled 'Ghost Island,' selected for the JAFF Future Project. This supernatural thriller explores parallel Cold War massacres in Korea and follows his previous success with 'Motel Cactus,' which won the New Currents Award at the 1998 Busan International Film Festival.

Triple Green CineCapital has launched a new film investment venture at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, aiming to raise $3 million by 2029 to finance commercial features for Southeast Asian audiences. The venture is spearheaded by producer Leonard Lai from Singapore and Vietnam's Hang Trinh.

Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno outlined a vision to transform Jakarta into a global filmmaking hub during a panel at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to make the city more film-friendly ahead of its 500th anniversary in 2027.

The second edition of the JAFF Market commenced in Yogyakarta, featuring a traditional Hanoman dance performance, as market director Linda Gozali highlighted a pivotal year for the platform's growth. This event aims to enhance Indonesia's film ecosystem and increase international visibility for local filmmakers.

Indonesian production company Forka Films has announced a production consortium for Kamila Andini’s upcoming feature film 'Four Seasons in Java,' which is set to release in 2026. The announcement was made during the JAFF Market 2025 held in Yogyakarta, where the cast, including Putri Marino, Arya Saloka, Christine Hakim, and Hana Pitrashata Malasan, was introduced alongside first-look footage.

Aaron Wilson, the director of the debut feature 'Canopy,' has announced a new project titled 'Under the Banyan Moon,' which has been selected for the JAFF Future Project. This cross-cultural romance film, set between Australia and Indonesia, is a co-production involving Wilson and producer Michael McMahon through Left-Handed Productions.