WHAT’S ON DAY 3: Learning from Masterclass with Ann Hui & Discovering Outstanding Asia–Pacific Films Across Genres
JAFF20 rolls into its Day 3 with a rich lineup of screening and non-screening programs that promise an ever-widening look at Asian cinema. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss today.
HONG KONG FILM GALA PRESENTATION: MASTERCLASS WITH ANN HUI & SCREENING OF A SIMPLE LIFE
Masterclass with Ann Hui | Monday, 1 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 15:00–17:00 WIB
A Simple Life | Monday, 1 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 2 | 12:30 WIB
As part of JAFF’s collaboration with the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA), the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation brings a special masterclass featuring Ann Hui, one of the most renowned female directors in Asian cinema, with more than four decades of experience and numerous international accolades. In this session, Hui will share insights on her creative journey. From starting a career in cinema to navigating today’s ever-changing industry shaped by technology and content overload.
Still under the same program, JAFF and AFAA will screen A Simple Life, one of Ann Hui’s widely acclaimed works. The film portrays the warm relationship between a middle-aged film producer and his longtime family maid. When she suddenly falls ill, their bond grows even deeper. Winner of major awards in Venice, the Golden Horse Awards, and the Hong Kong Film Awards, this film is heartfelt, tender, and beautifully crafted.
LOVE CHAOS KIN, A WARM AND SWEET DOCUMENTARY ROOTED IN ITS DIRECTOR’S PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Love Chaos Kin | Monday, 1 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 4 | 13:00 WIB
In her latest documentary, Tamil-American filmmaker Chithra Jeyaram follows an Indian immigrant mother reconnecting her adopted twin daughters with their biological parents. It’s an intimate story of cross-cultural family ties, class differences, and the search for belonging.
“Love Chaos Kin moves through personal stories and questions of identity with honesty and gentle clarity, all while carrying a warm and light touch” (review by Christopher Llewellyn Reed on Letterboxd).
AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY IN BURY US IN A LONE DESERT
Monday, 1 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 17:30 WIB
Vietnamese filmmaker Nguyễn Lê Hoàng Phúc’s first feature tells the story of a thief who accidentally becomes involved in an emotional journey with an elderly man longing for his late wife. Their trip across the Vietnamese desert unfolds a quiet, unlikely connection between two strangers.
THE GOLDEN KUJANG (KUJANG EMAS: BATARA JAYARASA) TELLS A STORY OF RIVALRY, BROTHERHOOD, AND BETRAYAL
Monday, 1 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 3 | 19:15 WIB
Directed by Peppi Piona, this action-packed drama follows two friends raised together in a martial arts school, only to be torn apart by jealousy, a sacred heirloom, and the lure of the criminal underworld. A fitting choice for audiences looking for local action with strong emotional stakes.
THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE
Monday, 1 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 1 | 14:30 WIB
Thursday, 4 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 1 | 17:00 WIB
Set in 1990s Iraq, Hasan Hadi’s touching film follows Lamia, a nine-year-old girl tasked with making the President’s birthday cake. Amid daily shortages, she and her grandmother traverse the city in search of basic ingredients. A sweet and heartfelt adventure built on resilience and imagination.
PUBLIC LECTURE: “BEYOND OUTSOURCING: TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF INDONESIAN ANIMATION IN THE ASIAN CREATIVE LANDSCAPE”
Monday, 1 December 2025 | Lotus Ballroom, ARTOTEL Suites Bianti | 10:00–12:00 WIB
Indonesian animation is on the rise, but the ecosystem still has big hurdles to overcome. From the breakout success of Jumbo to the growing ambitions of local 3D studios, this session unpacks how Indonesian animators are building a stronger, more competitive industry. Featuring speakers Chrisnawan Martantio (Animation Director Visinema Studios and Visinema Animation) and 3D animator Fikri Ediputra, moderated by Ita Sembiring (CMO RUS Animation).
PUBLIC LECTURE: “COLLABORATION, CURATION, AND STORYTELLING IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN FILM”
Monday, 1 December 2025 | Edelweis Room, ARTOTEL Suites Bianti | 13:00–15:00 WIB
This lecture explores how Southeast Asian cinema continues to grow through cross-border collaborations and context-sensitive curation. By looking at regional ecosystems, international partnerships, and the challenges of representation, the session gathers three key speakers producer Elizabeth Wijaya, producer Lai Weijie, and film programmer Leong Puiyee and moderated by Gerry Junus, Program Director of KDM Cinema.
More screening and non-screening programs to explore on JAFF20 Day 3. Full details of JAFF20 program and ticketing information is available at jaff-filmfest.org and @jaffjogja
