A quartet of Indonesian-Malaysian co-produced films has been released at the JAFF market, marking increased cooperation between the two regions of Southeast Asia.
The projects “Munafik,” “Krafat,” “Kadam,” and “Badut Gendong” were announced at a session titled “Nusantara Waves: The Rise of Indonesian-Malaysian Collaboration” held at the event’s Plaza Center Stage. JAFF Market is held in conjunction with the Jogja Netpac Asian Film Festival.
The Indonesian version of Malaysia’s top-grossing horror film, Munafik, has completed principal photography and entered post-production. The project, directed by Guntur Suharjant and starring Aliya Saroka and Acha Septriasa, screened its first look teaser at the event. The film is being produced by Oswin Bonifants of Unlimited Productions, with Malaysia’s Scope Productions, Comet Productions, and Indonesia’s A&Z Films and Legacy Pictures also producing.
Building on this momentum, the Indonesian version of the Malaysian horror religious film “Krafat” directed by Zahir Omar was also released. The original version, directed by Shamsul Yusof, broke box office records in Malaysia. Scop Productions said an Indonesian co-producer for the remake will be announced soon.
“Our increased collaboration with Indonesia’s leading producers and creatives reflects our commitment to working with the best talent in the region,” said Shamin Yusof, CEO of Skop Productions. “We are making a bold statement by having two of our biggest series, Munafik and Krafat, reimagined as featured Indonesian films by leading Indonesian filmmakers.”
The event also premiered the horror drama “Khadam,” starring Indonesian actor Agnini Haq and Malaysian star Remy Ishak, which is currently in post-production. It was directed by Shamil Osman and produced by Malaysia’s Komet Productions and Red Communications, China’s Sil-Metropole, and India’s Applause Entertainment. At the signing ceremony, Indonesia’s Magma Entertainment was welcomed as the executive producer.
“This event is a great opportunity to illustrate what we are calling the new Nusantara wave, and we are seeing a significant increase in creative collaboration between our two countries,” said Comet Productions Chief Explorer Ahmad Isam Omar. “There is great potential to create new levels of synergy and quality by combining Indonesian and Malaysian talent, ideas and skills.”
The session concluded with the first look of ‘Badut Gendong’, a co-production of Magma Entertainment, Legacy Pictures, Virtuelines Entertainment, VMS Studio, Caravan Studios, Malaysia’s Komet Productions, Skop Productions, Astro Shaw and India’s Applause Entertainment. Directed by Charles Gozali, the film stars Martino Rio, Dainta Melilla, Clara Bernadez, and Darby Romero.
“You never know what magic will happen when different cultures, backgrounds and skill sets come together to create,” said Linda Gozali, CEO of Magma Entertainment. “Magma has a long history of working with Malaysian creators.”
Dato’ Azmir Mutalib, CEO of the National Film Development Authority of Malaysia (FINAS), added: “This is a very positive development in the Indonesian-Malaysian co-production initiative. FINAS always supports initiatives of this kind to raise awareness for the world to enjoy the great stories coming out of this region.”
The session was also attended by Bonifants, actress Isabelle Jadja (who starred in the Munafiq remake), and Charles Gozali, director of the Qodrat series.
