Bela Bajaria Chief Content Officer at Netflix | Official website
Highlighting its commitment to Southeast Asia and announcing new local titles, Netflix hosted the latest APAC Showcase on June 13 at the Fairmont Jakarta. The event spotlighted local creators from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, with the Netflix content team sharing their investment in diverse storytelling from the region.
“We want to make sure that we bring locally authentic stories to our members in each of these countries. That’s why we have our teams on the ground, communicating with local creators on a day-to-day basis,” said Minyoung Kim, VP of Content (APAC ex-India). The event emphasized variety and quality, highlighting how great stories—whether by established or emerging creators—can resonate deeply and reach millions worldwide.
In Indonesia, Netflix is broadening its range of original storytelling with genres including its first local foray into undead territory. The upcoming film "Abadi Nan Jaya" (WT), set to premiere in 2025, follows a dysfunctional family navigating a zombie apocalypse within their traditional herbal medicine business.
The first supernatural science fiction series "Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams" was also highlighted. “Netflix was the perfect partner to bring this story to life,” series creator Joko Anwar said. “They were supportive of our creative vision and provided valuable input to enhance the show.”
Rusli Eddy, Manager of Netflix Local Originals in Indonesia, shared an exclusive clip of "Borderless Fog," a crime thriller set along the Indonesia-Malaysia border. Director Edwin discussed the narrative's intricacies and filming challenges along the actual border. “I wanted to dispel misconceptions about life along the border and the people living there,” he noted.
Acclaimed Indonesian director Mouly Surya joined from Hollywood to discuss her upcoming action film "Trigger Warning," starring Jessica Alba as a former Special Forces operative. “My dream is for the Indonesian government to invest more in film education so we can nurture more talent in the country,” Mouly added.
The spotlight shifted to Thailand with Sin Thongkongtoon, Director of Netflix Thailand Originals, introducing significant titles including "Doctor Climax." Writer-director Kongdej Jaturanrasmee shared his hopes for what this series will achieve: “Although the series is set in the ‘70s, the themes remain relevant today.”
Thailand's slate includes ten original titles this year (up from six in 2023), with exclusive previews of two upcoming Thai series: "Terror Tuesday: Extreme" and "Tomorrow & I."
To support high-caliber local content and emerging voices, Netflix Thailand launched Reel Life Film Camp in 2023. This program offers opportunities to underrepresented youth and creates jobs within the industry.
Turning to the Philippines, Netflix announced "Outside," written and directed by Carlo Ledesma. Set for an October 11 premiere, this psychological thriller follows a family seeking shelter during a zombie outbreak. In discussion with Vitto Lazatin, Manager of Content Acquisition in the Philippines, Ledesma described it as his most personal project yet.
From horror and crime thrillers to sci-fi anthologies and complex family dynamics, Netflix's wide variety of upcoming titles from SEA continue championing local stories globally.
“Our creators can prioritize delivering stories they’re best equipped to tell and are most passionate about,” said Kim. “But it is on Netflix to make sure that those stories reach audiences not only within their home countries but also beyond domestic markets.”
Stay tuned for these releases showcasing Southeast Asian storytelling on Netflix.
