Indonesian director Paul Agosta (“Onde Mande!”) is set to present his latest project “All Things Real and Unreal” at the inaugural JAFF Market, held alongside the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival, from December 2019. 3- 5.
The drama revolves around Daniel, a 21-year-old college student from Manado, Sulawesi, who turns to sex work in Jakarta to fund his aspirations for social media stardom, even though his single mother covers his basic needs and tuition fees. The narrative unfolds over the course of a day as Daniel, having spent his student money, seeks money through various means, from trying to sell gifts from clients to seeking new encounters through dating apps.
“I’ve always wanted to tell the story of male sex workers in Indonesia, specifically in the city of Jakarta,” Agosta said. “Many male sex workers in Jakarta do not come from poverty, many come from middle-class families.”
The director indicated that the project stems from his observations of the pressures faced by young people today. “This current wave of young people has so much more to deal with than previous generations. Blinded and pressured by what they see as the ideal lifestyle, fame and luxury on social media, they are driven to live far beyond their means, leading many to turn to sex work.” To achieve their dreams.
Producer Bunga Ineza of Kapsul Waktu Studio emphasized the project’s examination of contemporary social issues. “It tells a deeply human and timely story about the pressures of modern society, especially among young people navigating identity, materialism and societal expectations in an age dominated by social media,” she said.
At JAFF Market, the team aims to secure financing and identify co-production partners. They are also looking for connections with film labs and promotion forums to enhance project development.
Discussing the current landscape of independent Indonesian cinema, Ineza pointed to increasing opportunities through streaming platforms, international co-productions and festivals. She pointed out that government cultural programs support the participation of filmmakers in international laboratories, forums and festivals, creating paths to reach global networks.
However, she acknowledged ongoing challenges, including financing and distribution barriers, censorship concerns, and infrastructure limitations for emerging talent. “Filmmakers must balance local authenticity with global appeal, ensuring their stories resonate at home and internationally,” said Ineza.
The project on the Future Project platform is being developed in the market through a partnership between Kapsul Waktu Studio and Relate Films.