Empowering, Growing Together

When we first initiated JAFF in its inaugural edition, we never fully anticipated that this festival would journey as far as it has today. Sustaining a film festival amidst uncertainties for two decades is by no means an easy mission. Financial challenges, shifting socio-political dynamics, and natural disasters have shaped a path that demands resilience and collective endurance.

There is no single formula for running a film festival. Guided by a spirit of continuous growth, JAFF has consistently adapted and innovated to respond to every change around us. Just as importantly, JAFF remains steadfast because it is a shared space for development, where people evolve together. Many talents who once contributed in JAFF’s early years are now leading professionals in their respective fields. A festival once embraced by only a handful has transformed into a thriving meeting ground, a place to learn, to connect, and to widen horizons. JAFF, therefore, is not merely a celebration of cinema, but a celebration of community: of humans who grow together and inspire one another.

To every Committee Member, Volunteer, Filmmaker, Sponsor, and Audience: thank you for your unwavering support in nurturing and sustaining JAFF to this pivotal moment. The road ahead remains long, and new challenges will surely come. Yet we believe JAFF will continue to progress and endure, surpassing even our time.

As we mark two decades of meaningful existence, we sincerely invite all who have stood with JAFF, all who have helped cultivate and protect this dream, to gather, to celebrate, and to extend this journey further.

Long live Asian cinema!