Empowering Indonesian Creative Communities: Netflix and JAFF Host REEL LIFE Film Camp

Following the success of the Series Pitch Lab in 2023, Netflix has once again partnered with the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), this time to present the REEL LIFE Film Camp. Supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity — a dedicated effort to build new pathways for underrepresented communities in entertainment — this initiative aims to create new opportunities for talents. After a successful run in Thailand, the program is now available to creative communities in Indonesia.

"The goal of REEL LIFE Film Camp is to drive the development of high-quality talent in the Indonesian film industry. This aligns with Netflix's long-term commitment to support and empower local creative communities in Indonesia by developing skills and providing opportunities to create a robust national film ecosystem," said Ruben Hattari, Director of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Netflix.

The camp, developed in collaboration with Indonesian industry experts, offers training and work experience for aspiring filmmakers and actors. From over 600 applicants across Indonesia, 75 participants were selected to join online training sessions with mentors in roles such as production assistants, accounting assistants, post-production assistants, sound designers, special effects artists and actors.

Twenty-four participants progressed to intensive offline sessions in Yogyakarta from November 29 to December 2. They also had the opportunity to meet industry professionals and expand their knowledge and networks during the exclusive Talent Day, held from December 3 to 5 at the JAFF Market. Ultimately, the top participants from the Production Assistant, Accountant Assistant, and Post-Production Assistant tracks will have the chance to work with production house partners on original Netflix Indonesia titles.

The REEL LIFE program also highlighted the making of the global hit action film The Shadow Strays. Director Timo Tjahjanto, producer Daiwanne P. Ralie, cinematographer Batara Goempar, and editor Dinda Amanda shared their experiences and creative efforts in bringing the film to life. The movie ranked among the Top 10 Films in 85 countries just six days after its Netflix debut.

Tjahjanto reflected on his experience making The Shadow Strays, which involved extensive collaboration with various parties: “Our vision was always to craft The Shadow Strays with a cinematic approach. However, with the film available on Netflix, cinematic experiences are no longer limited to the big screen but can be enjoyed in diverse ways by audiences around the world.”

Closing out the camp, participants, mentors and Netflix partners shared their experiences participating in the program during the REEL LIFE Closing Ceremony.

Tia Hasibuan, a producer from Come and See Pictures, said, “The REEL LIFE Film Camp program is a long-awaited opportunity to attract fresh, talented individuals to the Indonesian film industry. The blend of online, offline, and on-the-job training made it exceptionally accessible for us to identify and bring in promising talent to contribute to our future productions.”

Ego, a participant in the REEL LIFE Film Camp, said, “The program’s training has been incredibly enriching, significantly boosting my skills for the industry. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned to advance my career and take the next major step in my professional journey.”

Over the past two years, Netflix has conducted various development programs for creative communities in Indonesia, covering topics from idea pitching and series production to the legal and financial aspects of filmmaking. Netflix has also collaborated closely with Indonesian creators to produce 13 original titles, available globally to over 280 million members. 

JAFF 2024 concludes on December 7 with an awards ceremony to be attended by industry players.