Bela Bajaria Chief Content Officer at Netflix | Official website
Netflix is championing Indonesia’s film industry in honor of the country’s National Film Day on March 30. The streaming giant plans to showcase more local films and host workshops for budding filmmakers. Ruben Hattari, Director of Public Policy, SEA, Netflix, emphasized the company's commitment to promoting Indonesian films globally, stating, “Netflix reasserts its commitment to make Indonesian films available globally in 190 countries and enhance the quality of Indonesian movies by investing in its filmmakers.”
At a press conference in Jakarta, a panel of renowned filmmakers, including Prilly Latuconsina, Ifa Isfansyah, and Taufan Adryan, shared their visions for the future of Indonesian cinema. Latuconsina highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging filmmakers, expressing, “The progress of the Indonesian film industry is deeply related to its human resources.” Adryan emphasized the significance of reaching a broader audience, stating, “As storytellers, it’s our wish to tell our stories to more people and hope that we can speak to a larger audience.”
Netflix also announced its plan to add over 50 Indonesian films to its platform this year, including titles like "Budi Pekerti," "Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-Film," and "13 Bom di Jakarta." Rusli Eddy, Content Lead Netflix Indonesia, explained that this initiative aims to make Indonesian films more accessible to a wider audience both locally and internationally.
As part of the National Film Day celebrations, Netflix and the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) conducted a workshop focusing on the administrative and legal aspects of film production. Ifa Isfansyah of JAFF emphasized the importance of alignment among filmmakers, the government, mass media, and the audience, stating, “My wish on this National Film Day is that the four elements continue to be aligned as it’s the key way to move forward.”
With a commitment to supporting Indonesian cinema, Netflix is not only showcasing local talent but also providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers to thrive in the industry. The streaming platform's dedication to promoting Indonesian films globally underscores its role in elevating the country's cinematic landscape.
