Among the standout selections for the JAFF Future Project are two highly anticipated works in progress: Boo Junfeng’s Trinity and Sidharta Tata’s Slaughterground. Singaporean director Boo Junfeng's Trinity, originally titled "Tsai Kuang Chih Chien," boasts an impressive international co-production spanning Taiwan, France, Singapore, Poland, Greece, Germany, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with Peanut Pictures leading the production. Sidharta Tata's Slaughterground (or "Hujan Kematian"), produced by Aftersun Creative, represents another significant work in progress.
The remaining nine projects are in various stages of development, showcasing a rich tapestry of stories from across the region. Singapore contributes M. Raihan Halim’s The Smuggler, produced by Papahan Films. Indonesia highlights rising talent with Ninndi Raras's directorial debut A Quiet Sunshine ("Perempuan di Pulau Lea") from QUN Films and Dian Tamara’s Somewhere Between ("Titik Temu") from Gambar Gerak and Pancaran Sinema. Other Indonesian projects include Dhiwangkara Seta’s αLPα (Absence), Timoteus Anggawan Kusno’s Orphaned Atlas (a co-production with France and Netherlands), and Rein Maychaelson’s Primal (an Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea collaboration). Animation gets a nod with Yudhatama Fajar Nugroho’s Pupus: The Orchid of Merapi, while the Philippines is represented by Glenn Barit’s Luz and Flor. These films collectively explore universal themes such as family, faith, memory, identity, and migration, presented across diverse genres from intimate dramas to genre-bending narratives.
Beyond features, JAFF Market's JIPCon program is nurturing new storytelling avenues by connecting intellectual properties with potential screen adaptations. This year, 10 IPs have been chosen, with six originating from Indonesia. These include the graphic novel Komarong, the board game Mantra, comics like Darah di Atas Salju and Lao Sam 1892, Yuuko’s Gloomy Days, and the novel Hati-Hati Ada Dua Hati. International IPs also feature prominently, with Hong Kong and Taiwan contributing the comic Disposable Dolly and the book Cat Rental Company. Further enhancing its global reach, two Korean IPs, the book My Upstairs Neighbors and webtoon Friend Request, join through a partnership with the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM).
A key aspect of JAFF Market is its commitment to fostering international collaboration. This is evident in partnerships such as the one with the Adelaide Film Festival and mylab, which facilitates an Australian entry, Rosie Lourde’s Wreck and Ruin. Mat Kesting, CEO and creative director of the Adelaide Film Festival, emphasized the importance of these exchanges. "Our partnership with JAFF Market and mylab gives Australian filmmakers an opportunity to engage with the region’s creative and production networks while their projects are still taking shape," Kesting stated, adding that the goal is to "build a stronger foundation for collaboration." Lorna Tee, founder of mylab, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the aim to "connect Australian filmmaking teams with producers in Indonesia and across Asia, building relationships that can shape their films and continue beyond the market."
The market will also launch its first Producers Exchange, a dedicated platform for meetings between participating producers, JFP teams, JIPCon representatives, and other delegates. Linda Gozali, market director of JAFF Market, articulated the overarching vision: "We want producers to come to JAFF Market knowing they can discover films taking shape and original IP with potential for the screen." She further stressed the market's ambition to "turn that discovery into lasting collaboration and strengthen Indonesia’s role as a creative and production partner."
This comprehensive approach underscores JAFF Market's pivotal role in nurturing Asian cinema, providing a crucial platform for development, financing, and global distribution for a new wave of compelling stories.