Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), held in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, is launching an industry event that aims to showcase Indonesian content and connect the country’s fast-expanding film industry to international markets.

Scheduled to take place December 3-5 during this year’s edition of JAFF (November 30-December 7), the event will be held in the Jogja Expo Center with around 150 booths hosting production companies, content creators, service providers and institutions. 

“Since its inception in 2006, JAFF has consistently strengthened and stimulated the film ecosystem for the Indonesian film industry. Many new filmmakers have begun to emerge from the festival,” said Ifa Isfansyah, festival director of JAFF.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology is collaborating with JAFF organisers on the event. “It is the government’s commitment to continuously support the development of the Indonesian film industry. JAFF’s initiative to create this event will facilitate easier access to the Indonesian film industry for the international community,” said Ahmad Mahendra, the Ministry’s Director of Film, Music and Media.

Linda Gozali, an experienced producer and former Secretary-General of the Indonesian Film Festival, will head JAFF Market. “I am honored to have this opportunity. With the introduction of JAFF Market, we look forward to creating new connections and opportunities for the Indonesian film industry, further nurturing its growth and success,” Gozali said. 

Indonesia’s film industry had a rapid recovery from the pandemic. In 2022, Indonesian films accounted for a 61% market share, slipping slightly in 2023, but still capturing a 48% market share. The country’s screen industry is projected to grow by 6.13% annually and create an additional 616,000 jobs by 2027. 

However, despite being one of the biggest film markets in Southeast Asia, Indonesia does not currently have a film industry event. 

In addition to the trade show, JAFF Market will feature a projects market and film lab, seminars, talent and company showcases and networking events. The projects market will be headed by producer Meiske Taurisia, who also co-organises LOCK Full Circle Lab, working with industry veterans Yulia Evina Bhara, Muhammad Zaidy and Vivian Idris.

“Every year, many new talents emerge in the Indonesian film scene with potentially groundbreaking projects. The Project Market at JAFF Market is designed to discover and support these projects, providing them with greater opportunities for realization,” Meiske said.