JAFF Market Becomes Vital Space for Filmmaker Collaboration

The Indonesian Film Board (BPI) considers the presence of forums such as the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) Market to be a vital space for filmmakers to build networks and foster collaborations that can strengthen the national film industry. BPI Chairman Fauzan Zidni stated that film market forums are a primary necessity, especially for young filmmakers seeking partners to develop film projects. “What is most needed, particularly by new filmmakers, is a forum,” Fauzan said during a JAFF Market 2026 panel discussion in Jakarta on Friday. According to him, forums like JAFF Market open opportunities for producers, directors, screenwriters, editors, and other industry players to meet and explore cooperation that could potentially develop into long-term projects. “I myself met my partner through a film market in Cannes. After that, we became partners,” he said. He believes similar meetings will give rise to new collaborations that ultimately produce new talents for the Indonesian film industry. Fauzan noted that the organisation of JAFF Market over the past three years has shown significant development as a platform bringing together film industry players. He also appreciated JAFF Market’s collaboration with various professional associations and support from the financial sector, which is seen as capable of strengthening the film industry’s credibility. This year, JAFF Market is expanding its role by presenting various activities prior to the main event, including collaborations with film professional associations so that relationships between industry players can be established earlier. Fauzan hopes this collaboration can be the beginning of greater involvement from more stakeholders in strengthening the national film ecosystem. “I think this is an important start. Hopefully, afterwards, many more will get involved,” he said.