Jakarta Film Week 2024: 10 Most Anticipated Films
Jakarta Film Week 2024 returns from October 23 to 27, showcasing a wide selection of films from around the world for cinema lovers. With 140 films from 55 countries, the festival offers an exceptional cinematic experience across a variety of genres. Here are some must-watch recommendations, handpicked by Kristo Immanuel, Festival Ambassador of Jakarta Film Week 2024.
1 | Opening Film – Sampai Jumpa, Selamat Tinggal (Indonesia)
This film will have its world premiere as the opening title of Jakarta Film Week 2024. Produced by Adhya Pictures and Relate Films, it stars Putri Marino, Jerome Kurnia, Lutesha, Jourdy Pranata, and Kiki Narendra. The story follows Wyn, a woman who travels to Seoul in search of her missing lover, Dani. There, she meets Rey, an Indonesian worker who offers to help. However, Rey uncovers Dani’s new identity and decides to keep it hidden from Wyn. Tensions rise as Wyn reunites with Dani, only for him to disappear again—unfolding into an emotionally charged mystery that holds the audience to the very end.
2 | Fantasea – Planet B (France)
Part of the Fantasea program at Jakarta Film Week 2024, Planet B is set in France in the year 2039, where a group of activists being hunted by the state mysteriously vanishes. One of them, Julia Bombarth, wakes up in a strange world known as PLANET B. The film takes viewers on a thrilling sci-fi journey filled with mystery and intrigue, offering a fresh and gripping cinematic experience.
3 | Program Herstory – A Song Sung Blue (China)
As part of the Herstory program at Jakarta Film Week 2024, A Song Sung Blue tells a quiet summer tale. Xian, a shy 15-year-old, meets Mingmei, an outgoing 18-year-old of Chinese-Korean descent. Their encounter sparks a journey filled with wonder and unforgettable emotional shifts.
4 | Program Direction Award – Suzanna: The Queen of Black Magic (Indonesia)
Screening in Jakarta Film Week 2024, this documentary explores the life of Suzanna, Indonesia’s “Queen of Horror,” who starred in over 40 iconic films and was named “Asia’s Most Popular Actress.” With exclusive interviews and archival footage, the film traces the cultural imprint Suzanna left on Indonesia’s horror cinema landscape.
5 | Program Global Feature Competition – The Paradise of Thorns (Thailand)
Part of the Global Feature Competition, The Paradise of Thorns follows Thongkam, a gay man who loses his rights to the home and garden he shared with his late partner, Sek. The film critically addresses LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand as Thongkam confronts Sek’s mother, who takes over the house after her son’s death.
6 | Program Made in Hong Kong – Time Still Turns The Pages (Hong Kong)
In the Made in Hong Kong program, this emotionally charged drama centers on Cheng, a high school teacher confronted by past traumas when he finds an anonymous suicide note in his classroom. As he tries to prevent a tragedy, he also grapples with personal struggles—divorce and a dying father—presenting a socially relevant and affecting story.
7 | Global Feature: Official Selection – Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (Canada)
This dark comedy tells the story of Sasha, a young vampire too soft-hearted to kill. When her blood supply is cut off by her parents, she meets Paul, a lonely teen willing to sacrifice himself. Their final night together turns into a strange and moving adventure about life, death, and unlikely friendship.
8 | Program Classique – Wings of Desire (Jerman Barat – Prancis)
Presented in the Classique section, Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire is a cinematic landmark about an angel who falls in love with a human. This poetic and philosophical film remains one of the most influential works in global cinema and a tribute to Wenders’ visionary storytelling.
9 | Program JFW x Clermont-Ferrand – Ice Merchants (Portugal, UK, England, France)
Nominated for Best Animated Short at the Oscars, Ice Merchants joins the Clermont-Ferrand program at Jakarta Film Week 2024. The short follows a father and son who leap daily from their cliffside home to deliver ice to the village below—a touching story wrapped in striking visuals.
10 | Program Global Short Competition – The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Croatia, France, Bulgaria, Slovenia)
Winner of the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at Cannes 2024, this powerful short is part of the Global Short Competition. Set in Strpci, Bosnia, in February 1993, it tells the story of a man who stands up against paramilitary forces kidnapping civilians from a train—highlighting courage amidst terror.
With a diverse lineup spanning genres and cultures, Jakarta Film Week 2024 offers a rare cinematic experience for film lovers. Mark your calendars for October 23–27, 2024, and don’t miss the screenings.
All tickets are free but limited, available via online reservation and on-the-spot (OTS) registration. Online reservations open on October 17 through the TIX ID app, with a service fee of IDR 4,000 per ticket. Each user can reserve up to three tickets for three different films. Reserved tickets must be exchanged at the registration desk 60 minutes before the screening. Unclaimed tickets will be released to OTS attendees 15 minutes before showtime.
OTS tickets require filling out a registration form on site. Screenings rated 17+ or 21+ require a valid ID. All reservations are final and non-transferable, so double-check your booking.
Jakarta Film Week 2024 takes place across major venues including CGV Grand Indonesia, Taman Ismail Marzuki, and Mercure Jakarta Cikini. For updates and full program info, visit www.jakartafilmweek.com or follow @jakartafilmweek on social media.
About Jakarta Film Week
Jakarta Film Week was first held in 2021 as a symbol of the film industry’s revival during the pandemic. The festival reflects the commitment of the Jakarta Department of Tourism and Culture to advance and promote both local and international cinema. Since its inception, enthusiasm from Indonesian filmmakers and audiences has grown steadily year after year.
Serving as a platform for films from around the world, Jakarta Film Week showcases both feature-length and short films. Each year, a selection of outstanding works competes for prestigious awards. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of viewers, both onsite and online, through its inclusive and dynamic programming.
Beyond screenings, Jakarta Film Week offers a rich lineup that includes Road to Jakarta Film Week, Jakarta Film Fund, masterclasses, discussions, community events, and an awards night celebrating cinematic achievements.
The festival remains committed to innovation and talent development, creating opportunities for filmmakers through collaborations with international film festivals across the globe.
Contact Jakarta Film Week
Website: www.jakartafilmweek.com
Instagram: @jakartafilmweek
Twitter: @jakartafilmweek
Facebook: Jakarta Film Week
Whatsapp: Nada (+62 857-685-7903)
Email: media@jakartafilmweek.com
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