Despite heavy drizzle since the afternoon, it did not lessen the enthusiasm of thousands of people gathered at Empire XXI Jogja for the opening night of the 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) on November 30, 2024. Among the attendees were filmmakers Yandy Laurens, Sidharta Tata, Tumpal Tampubolon, Timo Tjahjanto, also Dian Sastrowardoyo, Sheila Dara, Hannah Al Rashid, and Eva Celia. All appeared excited to kick off the festive JAFF, Indonesia’s biggest and longest-running international film festival.
This year, JAFF carries the theme “Metanoia” signifying the ongoing transformation of Asian cinema in achieving excellence amidst various global challenges. Aligning with the theme, Garin Nugroho, Founder of JAFF, shared in his opening remarks, “Tonight is a special night, not just for us at JAFF, but also for the entire community of Jogja,” he stated. “Your presence and togetherness are the biggest form of support for festivals like JAFF. Trust, togetherness and collaboration are the key elements to building a thriving film ecosystem, whether in Indonesia, Asia and even the world.”
In his remarks, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Fadli Zon, M.Sc., admitted the achievements of Indonesian filmmakers in the global area as proof that Indonesia is one of Asia’s leading centers of creativity. He also expressed his commitment to support the growth of the film industry. “We will also pursue to support the distribution of these works to global markets,” he said. “I invite everyone to work together to strengthen the film ecosystem as a medium for conveying universal messages, introducing Indonesian culture, and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations and an agent of change.”

The opening night became even more alive with a performance by the band Lomba Sihir, which successfully “charmed” the audience to stay at the stage area, despite the still ongoing light rain. The 19th JAFF was officially opened with a symbolic tumpeng cutting ceremony by Garin Nugroho, which he handed over to Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Fadli Zon, M.Sc., and the Founder of the Busan International Film Festival, Mr. Kim Dong-Ho. This was followed by the presentation of special Honorary Awards to three significant figures in the Indonesian and Asian film industry: Hendrick Gozali, a renowned Indonesian producer; Aruna Vasudev, founder of NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema); and Kim Dong-Ho, founder of the Busan International Film Festival.
The opening ceremony, held in the outdoor area of Empire XXI, concluded with an introduction from Garin Nugroho, inviting the audience and guests to watch his silent black-and-white film, Samsara, as the opening film of the 19th JAFF. The film that swept 4 Piala Citra at FFI 2024 was met with high anticipation and received positive responses from the audience who packed Studio 5 at Empire XXI. Samsara is praised for offering one-of-a-kind cinematic experience with its achievement in visuals, acting, and sound design, marking a new milestone for Indonesia’s film industry.
19th JAFF will showcase a total of 182 films from 25 Asia-Pacific countries. The program schedules and information on how to purchase regular tickets can be found on the official social media account @jaffjogja and website, jaff-filmfest.org. Tickets are available on the official website and can also be purchased via TIX.ID.