Joko Anwar Dishes On Joyland, Outdoor Cinema, And His Next Cinematic Nightmare

By Lara Kramer  •  18 Nov 2024 in Features

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Joko Anwar, the fearless auteur who’s given us nightmares and cinematic epiphanies, is back—this time flexing his curatorial muscles at Joyland Jakarta.

This year, he’s the mastermind behind the Cinerellaz lineup, and we got the lowdown on how he’s amping up the outdoor cinema experience. Plus, we got a sneak peek at his latest thriller that’s sure to haunt you well into 2025…

Here’s what we got from our chat with Joko—straight from the source, no filters:

How did this dream collab kick off? Joko Anwar is all about elevating the next generation of storytellers.

“If you’re a filmmaker already in the industry, finding new talent is one of the best things you can do. It’s like having a voice and actually using it,” he tells us. He’s been scoping out indie geniuses with his company, Come and See Pictures, and was psyched when Joyland tapped him to curate.

“It’s one thing I truly believe can make a difference: giving young filmmakers a platform to be seen, not just by audiences but also producers.”

Consider this a power move to future-proof Indonesian cinema.

But Joko isn’t out here indulging in his own cinematic faves.

“It’s not about me or my taste,” he says. Instead, he’s pulling together a lineup that showcases the current pulse of young Indonesian filmmakers. “We’re talking stories without restrictions, no commercial handcuffs. Just pure, unfiltered creativity.”

Translation: Get ready for a wild, mind-expanding mix that breaks every rule in the book.

Joko’s nostalgia for outdoor screenings is real.

“I’ve loved them since I was a kid, going to ‘layar tancap,’ those open-air cinemas,” he recalls. “It’s communal, it’s raw. You’re out there with strangers under the stars, and there’s a shared magic that can’t be bottled up indoors.”

Forget velvet ropes and overpriced popcorn. This is cinema the way nature—and rebellious indie spirits—intended.

We asked Joko what drives the intense, often harrowing themes in his films.

His answer? It’s all about the world around him.

“I react to social and political issues in Indonesia. It’s a response to what’s happening, whether it’s personal or something affecting my circle of friends, or even the nation,” he explains.

His films are less escapism and more a punchy reality check, served with a side of dread. Just what we expected to hear, honestly.

And for all you thrill-seekers, Joko’s current horror obsession is Smile 2.

 

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A post shared by Joko Anwar (@jokoanwar)

“I just watched it, and it’s really good,” he promises. Consider it a must-watch if you’re craving psychological terror, as one does.

Mark your calendars, because Joko’s new thriller, Pengepungan di Bukit Duri (2025), is already making waves.

 

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A post shared by Joko Anwar (@jokoanwar)

The film centres on a teacher navigating life at a high school for juvenile delinquents—think Dangerous Minds, but dialed up to a psychological 11. “It’s a collaboration with Amazon and MGM Studios, and we’re looking at a release next year,” he teases. Stay ready.

And His Final Words For The Joyland Crowd?

His advice for festival-goers is as simple as it gets: “Have fun!” And yes, he’s confirmed he’ll be there, adding, “I’ll be with friends, so come say hi.”

You heard the man! Just throw your boots on, show up, let loose, and maybe find Pak Joko for a selfie—if you dare.