10 FILM RECOMMENDATION: FEEL THE EMOTIONS, BE ADORABLY MESMERIZED, AND LAUGH OUT LOUD AT JAFF19

In just a few days, JAFF19 will begin. While some films are already sold out, there are still many great options available. Here are some of our recommendations for family dramas, romantic dramas, and comedy dramas. 

A MATCH

Jayant Digambar Somalkar | India | Drama

Friday, December 6th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 4 | 12:30 WIB

This film tells the story of Savita, a young woman torn between her dream of pursuing higher education and the pressure of an arranged marriage imposed by her family. Director Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s feature debut won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the Toronto International Film Festival.

BEN AND SUZANNE, A REUNION IN 4 PARTS

Shaun Seneviratne | USA, Sri Lanka | Romantic Comedy

Wednesday, December 4th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 12:30 WIB

Thursday, December 5th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 19:15 WIB

A romantic drama film with a stunning visual. Cinematographer Molly Scotti employs a unique approach, combining digital and 16mm formats to emphasize the stark contrast between the expectations and realities of Ben and Suzanne’s journey. Be ready to uncover the unexpected twists in their adventure.

ILO ILO

Anthony Chen | Singapore | Drama

Thursday, December 5th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 17:00 WIB

A family drama that captures the struggles of a small household in Singapore during the 1997 financial crisis, where every aspect of life is affected. Ilo Ilo is an internationally acclaimed film that won numerous awards in 2013, including the Golden Camera at Cannes Film Festival, Achievement in Directing at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the New Talent Award at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. Don’t miss the chance to revisit this masterpiece on the big screen at JAFF19.

IN THE LAND OF BROTHERS

Alireza Ghasemi & Raha Amirfazli | Iran, France, Netherlands | Drama

Thursday, December 5th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 14:45 WIB

Friday, December 6th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 18:30 WIB

This touching story of an Afghan refugee family starting a new life in Iran has received extensive acclaim from critics. One of its greatest strengths lies in the deeply empathetic and well-crafted screenplay, which portrays profound human emotions. In the Land of Brothers won the Best Director Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

MY FAVOURITE CAKE

Maryam Moghaddam & Behtash Sanaeeha | Iran, France, Sweden, Germany | Drama

Saturday, December 1st 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 17:00 WIB

Wednesday, December 4th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 18:00 WIB

This marks the third collaboration between directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, following their previous works, Risk of Acid Rain (2015) and Ballad of a White Cow (2021). My Favourite Cake has won several international accolades, including the FIPRESCI Award at the Berlin International Film Festival 2024 and the Grand Jury Prize at the Calgary International Film Festival 2024.

RANJANG PENGANTIN

Teguh Karya | Indonesia | Drama

Monday, December 2th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 5 | 15:30 WIB

Directed by the Indonesian maestro, Teguh Karya, Ranjang Pengantin is part of tribute to Hendrick Gozali’s program, Indonesia’s reputable producer. This film secured four Piala Citra at the 1975’s Festival Film Indonesia. JAFF19 offers a rare opportunity to experience this legendary film on the big screen.

ROXANA

Parviz Shahbazi | Iran | Drama

Thursday, December 5th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 5 | 19:30 WIB

Portrays modern Iran from the protagonists’ perspective, Fred and Roxana. With Roxana, Director Parviz Shahbazi returns with a drama that explores social issues and intergenerational dynamics. The film’s lead actor, Yasna Mirtahmasb, won the Best Actor Award at the Tokyo Film Festival 2023.

SAMA JUGA BOHONG

Chaerul Umam | Indonesia | Drama Comedy

Wednesday, December 4th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 5 | 14:45 WIB

Get ready for a dose of nostalgia and laughter as you watch the hilarious actions of the legendary comic trio Dono, Kasino, and Indro in the only Warkop film directed by Chaerul Umam and written by N. Riantiarno, now back on the big screen.

SUNDAY SPECIAL 

Abhilash Shetty | India | Drama Comedy

Friday, December 6th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 13.00 WIB

A heartwarming family drama, sprinkled with satirical comedy, Sunday Special invites us to follow Sneha, its 11-year-old protagonist, on her journey to discover the meaning of love, family, and identity.

THREE SONS OF NARAYANI

Sharan Venugopal | India |Drama

Friday, December 6th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 5 | 12:45 WIB

Saturday, December 7th 2024 | Empire XXI Studio 5 | 13:00 WIB

The story of three brothers, separated by distance for decades, who must set aside their differences to reunite and bid a peaceful farewell to their dying mother. Inspired by the director’s touching memories of visiting his grandmother’s village, Three Sons of Narayani marks a deeply personal feature debut for filmmaker Sharan Venugopal.

Decide on your favorite and secure your tickets to ensure you don’t miss these standout films at JAFF19. See you there!