WHAT’S ON DAY 5: Conversations on Safe Spaces for Women, Presenting Two Distinct Genres from Hong Kong, and Highlighting Works from Celebes Island
As JAFF20 enters its fifth day, the festival continues to offer a diverse range of programs that not only celebrate Asian cinema but also open critical conversations about equality, representation, and the sustainability of the film ecosystem. Today’s lineup combines empowering discussions, narratively strong international screenings, and a dedicated platform for community filmmakers from Sulawesi.
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT “WOMEN, FILM AND SAFE SPACES” (WOMEN ONLY)
Wednesday, 3 December 2025 | Edelweiss Room ARTOTEL Suites Bianti | 13.00-15.00 WIB
One of the key programs today is Let’s Talk About It: “Women, Film, and Safe Spaces”, a women-only session featuring filmmaker Kamila Andini and actor-activist Hannah Al Rashid. The discussion explores long-standing issues faced by women in the industry, discrimination in the workplace, stereotypical representation, gender bias, and sexist behavior on set that is often normalized. Through an intimate and supportive discussion, JAFF reinforces its commitment as an inclusive festival, backed by years of educational programming, the increasing representation of films directed by women, and a continued effort to provide safe spaces for both audiences and organizers.
TWO DISTINCT FILMS FROM HONG KONG: SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT & SOMEONE LIKE ME
Hong Kong cinema takes the spotlight today with two films of contrasting genres. Sons of the Neon Night (2025), directed by Juno Mak, invites audiences into a surreal, snow-covered Hong Kong atmosphere of chaos, family conflict, and criminal conspiracies. Rooted in themes inspired by Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, the film portrays “family” as the ultimate battleground. This title has traveled to major international festivals including Cannes, Sitges, Zurich, Hawaii, Tokyo, and the London East Asia Film Festival. The film screens at 21.45 WIB at Empire XXI Studio 3.
Meanwhile, Someone Like Me (2025) by Tam Wai Ching offers a gentler yet equally poignant narrative. The film follows a young woman with cerebral palsy who discovers independence and self-acceptance through a specialized organization that supports people with disabilities in exploring their sexuality. This deeply personal film screens at 19:00 at Empire XXI Studio 4.
WORN OUT MEMOTRET IBU MUDA YANG BERTAHAN DI TENGAH LINGKARAN KEKERASAN
Wednesday, 3 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 5 | 15.15 WIB
Thursday, 4 December 2025 | Empire XXI Studio 4 | 21.30 WIB
Worn Out (2025), one of the films in the Indonesian Screen Awards program, delivers a moving portrait of Warti, a young mother caught between economic hardship and domestic violence. As she assembles false eyelashes to make ends meet, she grapples with stress, malnutrition, and a husband consumed by online gambling. Directed by Misya Latief, whose filmmaking journey began in junior high and has earned her multiple awards, Worn Out reaffirms her distinctive voice in exploring women’s stories and the fragile dynamics within families.
COMMUNITY SCREENINGS: FOCUS ON CELEBES ISLAND
Wednesday, 3 December 2025 | Sender Coffee Demangan |19.00-22.00
As part of JAFF’s ongoing commitment to grassroots filmmaking, “Community Screenings: Focus on Celebes Island” highlights the vibrant perspectives of community filmmakers. Since 2023, this program has become an essential platform spotlighting voices from across the Indonesian archipelago. This year, filmmakers from Sulawesi present audiovisual works that capture the richness of local culture, social issues, and the everyday dynamics of their communities—portrayed through intimate and cinematic storytelling.
Full schedule of JAFF20 screenings and non-screening programs is available at jaff-filmfest.org and on social media @jaffjogja
