Becoming Human Wins Top Prize at Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival

Becoming Human claimed the Golden Hanoman, the top prize at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), which closed its milestone 20th anniversary edition in Yogyakarta on December 6. The film, which debuted at Venice, was awarded the prize by the main competition jury comprising Eric Khoo, Suryana Paramita, and Tumpal Tampubolon, who praised it for its "lyrical visual poetry and tender meditation on memory, loss, and the fragile spaces that hold our shared stories." This film was described as a "love letter to cinema itself" by the jury. The Golden Hanoman is the highest honor bestowed by the festival, which has been a significant platform for Asian filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with international audiences. The festival's 20th edition featured a diverse lineup of films from across Asia, highlighting the region's rich cinematic heritage and innovative storytelling. According to the festival's organizers, the Golden Hanoman is a testament to the power of cinema to transcend cultural boundaries and speak to universal human experiences. "Becoming Human is a film that reminds us of the importance of storytelling and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us," said a festival spokesperson. In related news, the Indonesian film "Better Off Dead" swept the Indonesian Screen Awards, which took place on the same day as the JAFF closing ceremony. The film's success is a testament to the growing popularity of Indonesian cinema globally and the country's rich cinematic heritage. The Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival has been a significant platform for Asian filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with international audiences. The festival's 20th edition featured a diverse lineup of films from across Asia, highlighting the region's rich cinematic heritage and innovative storytelling. As the film industry continues to evolve, the JAFF remains a vital platform for Asian filmmakers to share their stories and connect with global audiences. The festival's commitment to showcasing the best of Asian cinema has made it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The JAFF's 20th anniversary edition was attended by industry professionals, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts from across Asia and around the world. The festival's closing ceremony featured a special screening of the winning films, including "Becoming Human," which was awarded the Golden Hanoman.