Indonesian filmmaker Riar Rizaldi’s Monisme was presented with the Golden Hanoman Award for best film at this year’s Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF).
Oasis Of Now, directed by Malaysia’s Chia Chee Sum, was awarded the Silver Hanoman, while Dreaming & Dying, from Singapore’s Nelson Yeo, picked up a Special Jury Mention. The jury for this year’s main competition included Kristy Matheson, Mandy Marahimin and Park Ki Yong.
Monisme, the only Indonesian film in JAFF’s main competition this year, is an experimental film unfolding in the setting of Mount Merapi that explores the dynamics of human and nature relationships. The film premiered at Festival International de Cinéma de Marseille 2023 and won best film at Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival.
Best film in the Indonesian Screen Awards went to Yusron Fuadi’s The Draft!, which also won best storytelling and best editing (see full list of winners below). The jury for this section comprised Kamiya Naoki, Sophon Sakdaphisit and Warren Sin.
This year’s edition of JAFF, taking place November 25-December 2 in the city of Yogyakarta, drew more than 20,000 visitors. “JAFF18’s maturity is reflected in the enthusiasm of the participants and the audience this year. Hopefully, the energy from everyone will drive the passion for our cinema in the year ahead,” said JAFF director Ifa Isfansyah.
JAFF also announced its intention to launch the JAFF Market at next year’s edition, which was discussed at this year’s festival through a focus group comprising key industry stakeholders.
“Next year will be significant as we embark on organising JAFF Market – a platform designed to link emerging talents, new projects, and narratives with industry professionals and the entire film ecosystem in a more strategic and measurable manner,” said JAFF president Budi Irawanto.
At this year’s edition, more than 3,000 people participated in non-screening programmes, including public lectures, workshops, community forums and the Film & Series Lab. New programmes included midnight screening section Nocturnal and Special Events, including ‘Rimpang Dilayarkan dan Dirayakan‘, a showcase of five music videos from Efek Rumah Kaca’s latest album.
The Bioskop Bisik (Whispering Cinema) screening programme for the visually impaired, initiated last year, made a return this year with Miles Films’ Petualangan Sherina 2.
Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival 2023:
MAIN COMPETITION:
Golden Hanoman Best Film: Monisme, dir: Riar Rizaldi
Silver Hanoman: Oasis Of Now, dir: Chia Chee Sum
Special Jury Mention: Dreaming & Dying, dir: Nelson Yeo
INDONESIAN SCREEN AWARDS:
Best Film : The Draft!, dir: Yusron Fuadi
Best Directing: Ismail Basbeth, Sara
Best Storytelling: Anindita Suryarasmi & Yusron Fuadi, The Draft!
Best Performance: Irma Novita Rihi, Women From Rote Island
Best Editing: Ridwan A. B. & Yusron Fuadi, The Draft!
Best Cinematography: Joseph Christoforus Fofid, Women From Rote Island
OTHER JURIES:
Netpac Award: Which Colour?, dir: Shahrukhkhan Chavada
Blencong Award: Hito, dir: Stephen Lopez
Geber Award: Abang Adik, dir: Jin Ong
Student Award: The River That Never Ends, dir: J. T. Trinidad