MESSAGES FROM FESTIVAL DIRECTOR JAFF 2024

It’s been an incredible year for JAFF, growing from a community-driven festival into an event that now organizes the film market—something I never imagined! It’s a moment where cinema as a community movement meets cinema as an industry, something truly incredible to witness. It marks an extraordinary new chapter in the festival’s journey—our collective achievement and a victory for Indonesian cinema. JAFF has grown beyond just celebrating cinema and uniting cultures and stories; it has become a professional and industrial event with a significant impact on the dynamic of Asian cinema. With great excitement and pride, I welcome you to Indonesia’s largest film festival in the beautiful city of Yogyakarta.

Usually, my mind is far-sighted when I write, but today, it wanders back, reflecting on the long journey and our struggles together. I’m compelled to honor the immense talent and creativity that have fueled this festival. Everyone’s been working so hard toward a shared vision, and the spirit of Asia really shines through—it’s something we need to keep nurturing to reach our shared goals.

This year’s theme, Metanoia, speaks to a transformation in mindset, heart, self, or way of life—a spiritual awakening exploring the depths of the human mind. Expanding its psychological meaning, ‘metanoia’ also represents the relentless quest for universal humanity and hope for a compassionate society across Asia. The JAFF Market is a tangible result of this transformation, reflecting a persistent dedication to rising Asian cinema. The theme also emphasizes the ongoing transformation of Asian cinema toward excellence, even amid challenging and complex circumstances. By encountering these challenges, Asian cinema finds its true identity, shaped by strengths and limitations.

It feels like a return to the beginning, reigniting the original spirit we believed in. Samsara, Garin Nugroho’s new film, mirrors Opera Jawa, which opened the inaugural JAFF 19 years ago. With the recent change in government, we also hope that support for cinema culture will continue to grow. Each year, JAFF strives to add fresh colors with vibrant diversity. This year, JAFF19 will present 182 films from the Asia-Pacific region. Indonesian cinema has consistently showcased its strength, supported by emerging directors, with highlights like *Crocodile Tears*, Tumpal Tampubolon’s debut feature, and *Tale of the Land*, Loeloe Hendra’s debut, which recently won the FIPRESCI Award at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival. Additionally, this year’s JAFF Masterclass welcomes Tsai Ming Liang, a key figure in contemporary Taiwanese cinema’s new wave.

With the festival’s diverse programs and the industry opportunities provided by JAFF MARKET, this is an ideal platform for filmmakers, producers, and film enthusiasts to unite, sharing cinematic energy to foster a robust cinema culture. JAFF MARKET will spark this collaboration, encouraging an exchange of ideas that can lead to transformative opportunities and industry partnerships. The festival’s creative energy will translate into industry action. Together, we have the power to bring the vision to life, and with the film market, I look forward to seeing the ideas and projects that will emerge organically at the festival.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our partners, sponsors, and the cinema-loving public, whose support has been invaluable in bringing this year’s festival to life. I invite everyone to explore, engage, and connect with all the programs. Attend screenings, join public lectures and workshops, engage in discussions, and experience the film market firsthand. Let’s celebrate by watching films and making meaningful connections, which we increasingly recognize as essential. Every movie we watch offers more than entertainment; it’s a window into another world, culture, and society—an experience shared with our global community.

Thank you, and enjoy the festival at JAFF 2024!