JAFF 2025 Celebrates Two Decades with the Theme 'Transfiguration', Presenting 227 Films from 43 Countries

Kapanlagi.com - Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) is set to be held again at the end of November 2025. This largest Asian film festival in Indonesia is entering its 20th year with the theme of Transfiguration. This theme symbolizes the changes in Indonesian cinema that continue to develop amidst the competition of Asian cinema.

This year, JAFF presents 227 films from 43 countries divided into competition and non-competition programs. The festival also prepares various special programs, ranging from JAFF Kids to appreciation sessions for Reza Rahardian. The entire series of events will take place at the Jogja Expo Center from November 29 to December 6, 2025.

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1. JAFF 2025 Celebrates 20 Years with the Theme Transfiguration

JAFF 2025 Poster (Credit: Doc. JAFF)

JAFF is back in 2025 with a new spirit. At 20 years old, the largest film festival in Asia held in Indonesia carries the theme of Transfiguration. Ifa Infansyah, the Festival Director, stated that JAFF has always grown alongside the development of national cinema. "The development of JAFF from 20 years ago to now always reflects the progress of Indonesian cinema," he said at a press conference in South Jakarta on Wednesday (5/11/2025).

He added, "The theme we are taking this year, Transfiguration, is truly a transformation of Indonesian cinema, Asia, or the implementation of JAFF in particular that we have felt over the past 20 years." As part of the celebration of two decades, JAFF 2025 is preparing a total of 227 films from 43 countries. These films will be featured in both competition and non-competition programs. The festival will take place over eight days.

2. Collaboration of Two Artists and Special Program for Reza Rahardian

JAFF 2025 carries the theme of Transfiguration (Credit: KapanLagi.com/Olivia Sukma Ananda)

This year, JAFF collaborates with two cross-generational artists, namely Wulang Sunu and Muklay. This collaboration is presented to translate the theme of Transfiguration into fresh and relevant visuals. "This year will collaborate two artists, one is Wulang Sunu, then collaborated with Muklay who we now know is very popular in his generation," said Ifa.

According to Ifa, this collaboration becomes a unique form of celebration for the 20th festival. "The 20th implementation is very special, coming from a generation that represents the festival, then collaborating and truly able to translate the theme in a very unique way but also simultaneously capable for merchandise and so on," he continued. Since the beginning of its organization, JAFF has always involved artists in designing the visual identity each year.

In addition to visual collaboration, JAFF 2025 also presents a tribute program for Reza Rahardian. Three films starring the actor will be screened as a form of appreciation for his career journey. This program also serves as a celebration of two decades of JAFF's journey and Reza's career in Indonesian cinema.

3. JAFF Market and JAFF Kids, Programs for the Industry and Families

JAFF Market and JAFF Kids Program (Credit: Doc. JAFF)

In addition to the main film program, JAFF is also bringing back the JAFF Market. Ifa explained that the enthusiasm this year is even higher because all the booths are fully occupied. He also added that the JAFF Market this year will be held concurrently with the first day of the festival and will last for 3 days.

Meanwhile, the Program Director, Alexander Matius, introduced a program titled JAFF Kids. "Actually, last year there was a special program for children, and this year we want to take it more seriously to create a special program for children," he said. Matius added, "Later, it will involve film screenings accompanied by activities for children with their parents. So, this is an opportunity for children's first introduction to cinema."

The JAFF Kids program features three selected films: BRIDGE: MY LITTLE FRIENDS by Kazuyuki Ishihara from Japan, CONE by Ji In Yoo from South Korea, and GOLDFISH by Islam Hassouna from Malaysia. Each film was selected through strict curation with a team that understands parenting values. After watching, children and parents will participate in a discussion with a child psychologist to discuss the film they have seen.

4. Schedule of Implementation and Ticket Purchase

JAFF 2025 will open with the screening of the film OPERA JAWA by Garin Nugroho. Meanwhile, the festival's closing will feature the film SUKA DUKA TAWA directed by Aco Tenriyagelli. All event series can be accessed through the official social media account @jaffjogja.

Festival tickets can be purchased starting November 20, 2025, through the official website jaff-filmfest.org and the TIX.ID app. With the theme of Transfiguration, JAFF 2025 is expected to be a space for appreciation and reflection on the journey of Indonesian cinema that continues to change and grow.

Read other festival news at KapanLagi.com.

(kpl/olv)