Every year, Yogyakarta hosts the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF). This event is known among film enthusiasts and creative people as Indonesia’s biggest film festival. Yogyakarta become a home for JAFF, a place for creativity and conversation.
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JAFF began in 2006, shortly after the Yogyakarta earthquake, to help revive the arts. Since then, it has grown into an important hub for Asian filmmaking. Garin Nugroho, Ifa Isfansyah, and Budi Irawanto teamed up with NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) to start the festival.
The festival started with only a handful of local film screenings. Now, it lasts several days, shows hundreds of films from the Asia-Pacific, and hosts industry forums and market events. Here’s what JAFF has to offer: its programs and how you can take part.
What’s JAFF: Jogja NETPAC Asian Film?
AFF, the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival, highlights Asian cinema in a city rich with culture and tradition. The festival showcases films from across Asia and presents awards, including the Golden Hanoman Award. For about a week, you can enjoy screenings, talks, special programs, and industry networking in Yogyakarta’s friendly, creative setting.
JAFF now includes short film competitions, the Indonesian Screen Awards, and JAFF Market, a special event for industry professionals. The name combines “Jogja” (short for Yogyakarta) and “NETPAC” (the group supporting Asian cinema), reflecting its local and regional focus.
JAFF Programs
One of JAFF’s main highlights is the Main Competition, where feature films from the Asia-Pacific compete for top prizes like the Golden Hanoman and Silver Hanoman Awards. These awards honor great storytelling and creativity.
The Light of Asia section features short films that showcase diverse regional perspectives and creativity. These films compete for the Blencong Award, which celebrates new filmmakers and fresh voices in Asian cinema. The festival also presents awards, including Best Film and Best Director, for top local feature films, highlighting Indonesia’s growing film industry and talent.
JAFF also hosts special events, such as live music screenings called “cinematic concerts,” late-night shows, and community forums on film culture and social issues. The festival brings together a lively mix of formal screenings, free events, and discussions about movies and creativity.
JAFF Market
JAFF started the JAFF Market, a place where professionals, storytellers, and creative leaders come together in one space. From project pitching and IP showcases to networking and market-focused discussions, JAFF Market is a lively spot for making connections and building collaborations. Here, you can get closer to filmmakers and the talented people behind the scenes. You can see their previous event at jaff-market.com.
How to Buy the Ticket
Along with screenings, JAFF’s Industry & Market events connect filmmakers, producers, and distributors for collaboration, co-productions, and networking, helping the regional film scene grow. If you’d like to attend, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Go to the official JAFF website for the latest dates and ticket information.
- For paid screenings, purchase tickets online through platforms like TIX ID.
- For free programs, fill out a Google Form if it’s available or register when it’s announced. You don’t have to pay, but you still need to reserve your seat. Check the screening times, venue, and seat availability early, since popular films can sell out fast.
- The main screenings are held at Jl. Urip Sumoharjo No. 104, Klitren, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta.
- Check if you need a festival pass for industry events or a single-screen pass for general audiences.
- Bring your ticket, ID, and proof of payment when you arrive. At JAFF, you’ll experience art, culture, and connection in the lively city of Yogyakarta. By joining the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival, you’ll do more than just watch films. You’ll feel the energy of regional creativity, meet filmmakers, join discussions, and enjoy much more than movie screenings.
Keep up to date by visiting jaff-filmfest.org or following@jaffjogja on Instagram, and don’t forget to book your seat early for this film adventure.