JAFF Market Returns for Second Edition as Strategic Platform for Indonesian Cinema

The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is preparing for the second run of the JAFF Market, which will take place at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta.

After a highly successful debut in 2024, attracting 6,700 attendees from 19 different nations, showcasing 151 exhibition spaces, and brokering 63 business transactions worth approximately IDR36 billion ($2.2 million), the event is now part of JAFF’s celebrations marking its 20th anniversary as a prominent film festival in the Asia Pacific region.

The JAFF Market originated from JAFF’s years-long dedication to promoting Asian independent films,” explained Ifa Isfansyah, the festival director of JAFF. “We are broadening our goals by constructing a platform geared towards the industry, which addresses current needs – one that nurtures Indonesian narratives and empowers them to succeed on a global scale.

The second version continues to feature the initial six programs aimed at sparking the creative process: JAFF Future Project (for nurturing new projects), Content Market (to exhibit intellectual properties and facilitate business connections), Talent Day (offering guidance for rising talents), Film & Market Conference (providing a platform for industry discussions), Market Screening (offering exclusive screenings for private buyers), and Film Lab (conducing workshops to enhance project development).

2025’s event in the JAFF Future Project will screen 12 movies over a span of three days, focusing on participants from the Asia-Pacific region who incorporate Indonesian cultural elements. The Content Market will display 10 intellectual properties (IPs) for potential adaptation possibilities, while Talent Day will carry on its collaboration with significant industry figures, following last year’s partnership with Netflix.

Film Lab is now accepting applications for five projects that are still in development, concentrating on international co-production possibilities. These projects should be helmed by first or second-time feature film directors. In partnership with APROFI (The Indonesian Film Producers Association), the Film & Market Conference will delve into topics ranging from talent and creativity to financing, innovation, and regulatory issues.

Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha stated: “The government views JAFF Market as a crucial ally in fostering sustainable development within the film industry. This platform unites key players, while also establishing a base for necessary collaboration across sectors – which is vital for presenting Indonesian cinema as both a cultural powerhouse and an economic force in the region.

Despite a surge in interest, Indonesian cinema encounters structural hurdles. As of May 2025, ticket sales climbed to 35 million, accounting for nearly half (44%) of the previous year’s record-breaking 80+ million, yet the country only has about 2,200 screens in operation, leading to distribution and intellectual property monetization issues.

Linda Gozali, director of JAFF Market, stated that our mission is to make JAFF Market a driving force for growth within the national film industry, helping to cultivate ideas and nurture talent, as well as devising distribution strategies and fostering long-term partnerships. Our aim is to connect Indonesian content with viable opportunities, whether they be local or global.

Graduates from JAFF Market 2024 have left a significant mark on the international scene. Reza Rahadian’s film, “Pangku,” was chosen for HAF Goes to Cannes at the Marché du Film 2025, and three other titles – “Bandits of Batavia,” “Jitu,” and “Locust” – excelled by participating in the IP Pitching Forum in Cannes.

Preliminary signs suggest a robust pace for the year 2025, as over half of the exhibition spaces have been booked and there’s increasing enthusiasm from potential sponsors. The event is tactfully scheduled to conclude Southeast Asia’s business calendar towards its end.

2025 edition of the JAFF Market, sponsored by main supporter Amar Bank, takes place from November 29 to December 1. Applications for most programs will be accepted from July 15 to September 10, with Content Market applications closing on August 15. The entire JAFF festival spans from November 29 to December 6.

Read More

2025-05-30 13:16