Keeping the Flame Alive

Twenty years is a long journey, especially in Indonesia, where film festivals rarely survive. Gven the challenges faced, the mere fact that JAFF (Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival) endures is significant. Despite having limited time and energy, we strive to present a festival that not only takes place but also carries meaning. The resilience of festivals like JAFF is a small miracle in a country that has yet to fully embrace the importance of culture. Surviving for two decades amid neglect, dissolution, and loss of support is rare. JAFF continues not because of its system, but because people believe that such spaces must exist. It belongs to no one group, but rather becomes a lens through which the world understands Indonesia through how we tell and honour our stories.

This year, submissions increased by 14 percent over the previous year. Non-Indonesian feature films saw the highest rise, up by 72 percent. The short films also showed more diversity and maturity. This suggests a new generation of filmmakers is emerging, along with a growing sense of awareness and confidence among Asian filmmakers to screen at JAFF. This year, JAFF added four regular programs: JAFF Kids, for children and parents to watch films together; Transcendence, for experimental and cross-media films; Soundies, celebrating the relationship between music and audiovisuals; and Resonance, for branded content and narrative exploration in the creative industry. In the Indonesian Screen Awards competition, we introduced four new categories: Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, Best Music, and Best Poster, ensuring our appreciation is more comprehensive. These changes are part of our effort to value the work and achievements of cinema, not only on screen but also behind the scenes. This year has felt like a longer journey than usual, filled with exhaustion, frustration, and pessimism. Still, we hope the programs and films bring value to their audiences.

When discussing current events in Indonesia, the phrase “a great nation” implies that Indonesia needs a long-term vision and deep cultural expression. Our recurring failures come not from a lack of talent, but because real support for culture is always minimal, or non-existent. Everyone wants to emulate other countries. However, few are willing to take the necessary steps. How can we stand with world festivals if the arts are always left on the sidelines? Film festivals like JAFF are part of the cultural infrastructure, not just annual events. They are spaces in which our country’s narrative and identity are examined and shared with the world.

In the film ecosystem, festivals should also serve as a big house. They should be a place where all elements, including the market are sheltered. The market’s presence is essential in strengthening the festival. It grows out of the festival as a complementary space where different elements support one another. Festivals are cultural spaces. They preserve values, foster dialogue, and bring ideas together. For this ecosystem to remain healthy, each part must understand its role and responsibilities. A solid festival lays the groundwork for industry growth, not the other way around.

JAFF’s curatorial work focuses on interpreting the Asian context. It uncovers voices shaped by local courage, observes with social consciousness, and champions films that may not be screened elsewhere. For us, programming is not about data or trends. It is about fostering dialogue and reflection among films, filmmakers, and the public. It is about introducing new voices and creating opportunities. For our team, the festival is also an annual opportunity to learn about film, organization, collective work, and human limitations.

Not everyone will like everything, including this festival. We realize that among support and love, some hold dislike or disapproval. Whether from fatigue, differing perspectives, or seeing this festival as too liberal, elitist, or economically driven, we listen to these views and take them to heart. We are grateful and assure you that there is never any intention to make mistakes. JAFF is built collectively and thrives on passion, time, and trust, despite our shared limitations. The festival is not perfect, but each year we work to make it more open and intimate for everyone. Criticism is needed. It is how the festival learns and grows.

To the audience: thank you for believing this festival is worth attending. To the filmmakers: thank you for trusting us with your work and allowing it to be screened here. To our friends who care, help, remind, laugh with us, and stay present during difficult times—thank you. To the JAFF team—who have worked in the craziest, most sincere ways possible in film—this festival is yours.

Twenty years of JAFF is about more than just time. It is about having the belief to keep going, even when the path ahead is unclear. Each year, we learn that the festival’s greatest value is not stability, but its courage to continue. As long as people turn on the projector, watch with open hearts, and work out of belief rather than recognition, JAFF will endure. JAFF will continue long beyond our lifetimes.