Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival Kicks Off With Garin Nugroho’s ‘Samsara’

As a seasoned cinema connoisseur who has traversed the globe in pursuit of cinematic excellence, I must say that the 19th Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is an event that truly warms my heart. Having attended numerous film festivals across continents, I can confidently assert that few can match the vibrancy, passion, and sheer energy exuded by this festival.

The 19th Asian Film Festival organized by Jogja-Netpac, known as JAFF, began this past weekend at the Empire XXI Jogja venue. Despite continuous rain, it attracted countless spectators.

The longest-running international film festival in Indonesia, a significant event, attracted prominent Indonesian film personalities such as directors Yandy Laurens, Sidharta Tata, Tumpal Tampubolon, and Timo Tjahjanto, along with actors Dian Sastrowardoyo, Sheila Dara, Hannah Al Rashid, and Eva Celia.

2021’s event, themed “Metanoia,” explores how Asian cinema adapts amid global hurdles. Garin Nugroho, JAFF founder and filmmaker, underscored the need for community backing to the audience. He emphasized that “cooperation, unity, and mutual trust are essential ingredients in fostering a prosperous film community, whether it’s in Indonesia, Asia, or worldwide.

Dr. Fadli Zon, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, emphasized the international accomplishments of Indonesian filmmakers and promised to boost the industry by focusing on international distribution. He urged collaboration to enhance the role of the film industry in cultural expression and societal transformation. “We will also strive to distribute these works worldwide,” he stated. “I encourage everyone to unite efforts to fortify the film industry as a platform for sharing universal ideas, showcasing Indonesian culture, and serving as a motivator for future generations, as well as an instrument of change.

At the start of the event, the enchanting local group Lomba Sihir took center stage for a captivating performance. The festival bestowed honorary accolades upon several distinguished figures: producer Hendrick Gozali, founder of Netpac; the late Aruna Vasudev, whose contributions are immortalized as founder; and Kim Dong-ho, pioneer of the Busan International Film Festival.

As a cinema enthusiast, I had the pleasure of experiencing Nugroho’s captivating, monochrome masterpiece “Samsara” at the Film Festival Indonesia 2024, which graced the opening night with its presence. This striking film walked away with no less than four awards!

From December 7th, the 19th Japan Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is set to showcase an impressive collection of 182 movies hailing from 25 different countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The first JAFF Market kicks off on December 3rd.

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2024-12-02 08:46