Netflix flexes Indonesian film industry creativity with original content

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Netflix has a slate of upcoming made-in-Indonesia films and series to showcase Indonesian talent to the world. According to Netflix, since the company's establishment in Indonesia in 2016, exceptional stories from Indonesia such as Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens and Photocopier captured audiences.

Amplifying its plan, Netflix has unveiled its localised campaign of seven new titles,spanning sci-fi thriller, comedy and period drama at the Waktu Netflix Indonesia (Time for Netflix Indonesia). “The Indonesian film industry has evolved rapidly in recent years. More and more creators and stories from Indonesia are now being seen and appreciated by audiences and critics around the world. Our upcoming slate from Indonesia gives you authentic and unique stories, a representation of our country - that's rich with stories and cultures, and brings you high-calibre talent whose significant works have shaped the film industry,” Rusli Eddy, Netflix Indonesia content lead explained.

Showrunner Shanty Harmayn who is collaborating with directors Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah, will release Netflix’s first Indonesian period drama Gadis Kretek – to set against the backdrop of the country’s cigarette industry in the 1960s.

“Rooted in Indonesia, I believe this beautiful story will resonate with audiences everywhere,” Harmayn added.

Internationally renowned director Joko Anwar will unveil his new sci-fi thriller Nightmares and Daydreams, about ordinary people encountering strange phenomena. "The series has multiple storylines which intersect with each other and lead to a dramatic denouement. Indonesia is so full of unique and extraordinary stories. I'm always excited to have the chance to bring these stories to a wider audience, especially those that relate to the origins of our world," Anwar explained.

End of this year, members can catch the first action-comedy film from Timo Tjahjanto called The Big 4. It tells the story of a by-the-book female detective who teams up with a group of down-on-their-luck assassins to investigate her father’s murder.“To be able to share my story to the world, made possible by Netflix, is exciting. I cannot wait for people to see the movie,” Tjahanto said.

The news comes hot in the heels of Amazon’s video streaming service Prime Video deciding to increase its investment for customers in Indonesia. According to the company, it is now going to be creating a localised content slate and user experience on Prime Video and the Prime Video app. The streaming service also underlining its commitment to the local creative community by creating its first ever local Southeast Asian Originals Comedy Island: Indonesia; Comedy Island: Thailand and Comedy Island: Philippines.

Moreover, there are currently local productions with film houses underway in both Indonesia and Thailand. Understanding the regions obsession with K-content, Prime Video has also inked deals to license top Korean titles.

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