Jakarta World Cinema (JWC) returns for its third edition this year with even greater enthusiasm and a host of exciting programs. The international film festival, set to take place from September 21-28, 2024, is ready to delight film lovers by screening 120 films from 61 countries. This year, JWC will be held in person at CGV Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, as well as online through the streaming platform KlikFilm, offering broader access to audiences across Indonesia.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
JWC 2024 will kick off with the screening of The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, a film that has garnered attention at various international festivals. Meanwhile, the festival will close with Bird by Andrea Arnold, a highly anticipated film that promises to deliver a powerful and meaningful conclusion to the event.
Additional Auditoriums and Expanded Film Selection
With double the number of films compared to last year, JWC 2024 has partnered with CGV to allocate four auditoriums for film screenings, a significant increase from the two used last year. This expansion reflects the growing enthusiasm and demand from the public.
Introduction of the First Feature Competition
For its first two years, JWC was a non-competitive film festival. This year, JWC introduces the First Feature Competition, a major step forward in encouraging and recognizing new talents in the film industry. The competition will feature 13 debut films from various countries, competing for two prestigious awards: Best Director and Best Film. Festival attendees can also participate by voting for their favorite films, which will vie for the Audience Award.
In this competitive section, three highly influential Indonesian filmmakers—Lola Amaria, Yosep Anggi Noen, and Makbul Mubarak—will serve as juries. The awards will be presented to the best debut filmmakers during the closing night ceremony.
International Guests
This year’s festival will host an array of international filmmakers who will present and discuss their works at JWC 2024. Notable guests include Selman Nacar, director of Hesitation Wound from Turkey; Jianjie Lin, director of Brief History of a Family from China; and Nelicia Low, director of Pierce from Singapore.
Hopes for JWC 2024
Frederica, the Executive Director of JWC, expressed her excitement, stating, “This year marks a significant milestone for JWC with the introduction of our first competition. We aim to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work to the world, and Jakarta World Cinema is the perfect venue for that.”
Shandy Gasella, the Festival Director of JWC, added, “The addition of more auditoriums and an expanded film lineup is our commitment to continually grow and make JWC an inclusive and diverse film festival. We hope this year’s festival will offer an unforgettable cinematic experience for everyone.”
Daniel Irawan, the Program Director of JWC, shared his perspective, saying, “With the introduction of the First Feature Competition, we want to discover and celebrate new talent in the film industry. We believe that the filmmakers participating in this competition will bring fresh and groundbreaking perspectives.”
Meanwhile, JWC 2024 First Feature Competition jury member Makbul Mubarak also shared his thoughts, saying, “I am thrilled to see this year’s JWC festival program, which I believe will serve as a powerful and impactful showcase for filmmakers from around the world. Many of the titles have been on my radar for a long time, and I’ve eagerly anticipated their arrival.”
Jakarta World Cinema 2024 promises a celebration of cinema filled with surprises and a deep appreciation for high-quality films. The festival is organized by Abhiseka Foundation, powered by KlikFilm, supported by CGV Cinema, BCA, and Jogja Film Academy. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this festival, whether in person or online.
For more information, visit:
IG: (at)jakartaworldcinema
X: (at)jktworldcinema
