Nurturing Hope in an Uneasy Era

This year’s Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is themed Metanoia, a concept that encapsulates the transformative power inherent in every story told. Metanoia is an attempt to profoundly transform the way we see the world and ourselves, a process in which cinema becomes a bridge that connects the past, present, and future. As we already know, life can only be understood because of the past but must be lived for the future. JAFF is a space that celebrates the search for authenticity in the midst of the complexity of life, while offering hope – that through stories with diverse forms, we can shape a decent future.

The world is not well, and it is entering a period of increasing tension. Colonisation is still happening and independence is becoming a long struggle. The climate burns hotter and is ignored in the name of economic sanctity. The future seems bleak, and people only look to the past to lose their moral compass rather than to solve the bigger problems. Films provide a mirror and offer new meanings amidst the complexities of this world. Through the diversity of films presented in JAFF, we see the world from different perspectives even within the same region, creating small and substantial commonalities so that possible solutions can still be explored.

For this year’s edition, we had more submissions than ever before and still had the opportunity and support to attend some of the world’s biggest festivals as part of our search. We are continuing almost all programs that were already solid. We’re rebranding the ‘Classic’ program as ‘Rewind’ to feature films from more recent years, recognizing that Indonesia doesn’t yet have a strong culture of diverse, regular screenings from around the world. We have also tried to experiment with increasing the overall number of films, with the consequence of limiting the number of screenings per film. This year’s edition also includes a special invitation from director, writer and producer Tsai Ming-liang. Tsai is an influential figure in contemporary cinema, especially in the new wave of Taiwanese cinema.

One key takeaway from this year’s edition is the limited number of Indonesian films that even came close to meeting the festival’s artistic standards. While two Indonesian films made it into the main competition, other programs saw only sparse representation. This could be due to one of two reasons: either the films were released too close to the festival, making their promotional calendars poorly suited for screenings spread days apart, or Indonesian cinema may be entering a phase where financial priorities overshadow artistic vision. If it’s the latter, then storytelling risks becoming contrived, with cinematic quality no longer in focus. Should this be the case, it could signal the onset of a creative stagnation.

The festival is not only about spectacle but also about encounters—between the audience and filmmakers, between past and future, between hopes and fears. Many local and international filmmakers will join for Q&A sessions with the audience. Additionally, there will be a Special Program featuring discussions and learning activities as a form of knowledge exchange and growth. We want this festival to be a space where ideas and perspectives meet, where everyone feels heard and valued, where transformation can begin with how we understand ourselves and others, even through brief encounters or simple conversations in the corners of the festival space.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported us—from funding and networking opportunities at international festivals to helping this festival grow, to all the filmmakers who have submitted their work and entrusted it to us, to the partners who make this festival possible, and, of course, to you—the audience who come with open hearts and receptive minds. We hope that JAFF will be a transformative experience, where each film serves as a companion on your journey toward a deeper understanding of many things, including yourself. On each screen, we hope you find aspects of yourself that may have been long lost or hidden, waiting for the right moment. Through the power of Asian cinema at this year’s 19th JAFF, we hope you take home not only memories but also hope for a better future.

Enjoy the festival!