JAFF Expands Indonesia’s First Film Market in Yogyakarta
JAFF Expands Indonesia’s First Film Market in Yogyakarta
JAFF grows Indonesia’s first film market in Yogyakarta, linking local talents with international partners through a France-backed lab as it marks 20 years.
JAFF is expanding Indonesia’s film landscape with the launch of the country’s first film market, staged during the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Yogyakarta. Market director Linda Gozali and advisers Lorna Tee and Yulia Evina Bhara describe the goal as strengthening international partnerships, addressing local infrastructure gaps, and positioning Yogyakarta as a gateway for the nation’s rapidly growing cinema scene. After last year’s pilot, organizers say the broad interest from studios, financiers, and talent confirms that the market is ready to grow.
Within the JAFF Market, the Indonesia-France Film Lab X MTN Lab returns, running November 27 through December 1 in Yogyakarta as part of Festival Sinema Prancis. Presented with Institut Français d’Indonésie, the program brings Indonesian and French teams together to workshop projects and explore potential coproductions, reinforcing JAFF’s role as a regional hub for cross-border cinema.
JAFF also marks 20 years since its 2006 launch, a grassroots effort born from the energy of local filmmakers and volunteers. The festival’s journey has been shaped by resilience, including a near-cancellation after a major earthquake in its first year. Today, JAFF is celebrated as a grassroots champion for Southeast Asian voices that tackle the realities of the region with honesty.
Among JAFF’s Future Projects is the cross‑cultural romance "Under the Banyan Moon" by Aaron Wilson, which has been shortlisted for JAFF Future Project. The project signals ongoing Australia‑Indonesia collaboration, building on Wilson’s prior feature "Canopy" that helped bring international attention to these endeavors.
Industry insiders say the market could pave the way for more international collaborations, while continuing to nurture new talents. The push to improve infrastructure, distribution pathways, and festival networks remains a priority as JAFF looks to broaden its reach beyond its birthplace in Yogyakarta.
As JAFF enters its 20th year, excitement is high about a growing ecosystem that keeps the festival’s grassroots spirit alive while helping Indonesian cinema connect with audiences around the world.
Cover image source: Indonesia-France Film Lab Returns to JAFF Market in Yogyakarta 🔗
