Indonesia’s Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) will mark its 20th anniversary with an expanded edition running Nov. 29-Dec. 6, in Yogyakarta. The festival will continue its JAFF Market component for a second year, running Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
The market’s inaugural 2024 edition proved a success, hosting 151 booths and attracting 6,723 participants including producers, distributors, investors and streaming platforms. The main festival drew 24,462 visitors across its eight-day run.
“There are two key moments that make JAFF especially significant this year: the celebration of the festival’s 20th edition and the continuation of JAFF Market’s second edition following its remarkable success in its inaugural year. We will seize these moments to further strengthen JAFF’s position in supporting the culture and film industry in Indonesia. We are preparing a grand celebration to mark the festival’s 20-year journey, while this year’s JAFF Market will provide even more space for exhibitors and international film industry players,” said Ifa Isfansyah, festival director of JAFF and chair of JAFF Market.
The announcement comes as Indonesian cinema reaches new heights, with local films capturing 65% market share and total box office admissions surpassing 80 million in 2024. The festival’s 2024 closing film, “A Brother and 7 Siblings,” emerged as a box office hit.
JAFF has attracted major industry figures over the years, including auteur Tsai Ming-liang, Busan fest founder Kim Dong-ho, Cannes Directors’ Fortnight artistic director Julien Rejl, and BFI London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson.
The market component has already gained international attention. “We have been captivated by Indonesian cinema for years. One of Barunson E&A’s key focuses is collaborating with partners who share our vision of bringing extraordinary Indonesian films to both local and global markets. JAFF Market provides an integrated platform that gathers key industry players in one place, offering excellent programs to understand the business and market direction of Indonesian cinema,” said Choi Yoonhee, CEO of Korean sales and production company Barunson E&A.
Filmmaker Anthony Chen, who served on the 2024 festival jury and attended the market, noted the region’s potential: “I have worked as a co-producer on several Indonesian films and have observed from afar the incredible energy emerging from this country. That’s why I was excited to experience Indonesian films from a local audience’s perspective and to discover new talents from a region that seems to hold limitless possibilities.”
JAFF distinguishes itself as Indonesia’s only film festival uniting major industry players including Netflix, Vidio, MD Entertainment, Miles Films and Visinema. The festival also maintains partnerships with over 100 grassroots film communities across Indonesia’s archipelago.
Film submissions for JAFF’s 20th edition open March 1, with market booth registration beginning July 17.
