Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival Marks 20 Years as Southeast Asia’s Grassroots Champion: ‘Films That Speak Honestly to the Region’s Realities’

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.

Kanya Iwana, an Indonesian multidisciplinary artist, has made her feature directorial debut with 'Ibu,' selected for the JAFF Future Project. The film explores generational trauma among three women in Yogyakarta, reflecting on inherited identity and cultural legacies in Indonesia. This co-production with the U.S. is part of a curated selection of ten titles at the 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.

Loeloe Hendra, the director of the award-winning film 'Tale of the Land,' has announced a new project titled 'A Life Full of Holes,' which focuses on the experiences of Indonesian migrant workers. This project has been selected for the JAFF Future Project, highlighting Hendra's continued commitment to addressing significant social issues through cinema.