Netflix recently held its latest APAC Showcase, which spotlighted local creators from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
During the event held at the Fairmont Jakarta in Indonesia, the Netflix content team also shared the streaming platform’s investment in diverse storytelling from the region.
“We want to make sure that we bring locally authentic stories to our members in each of these countries. That’s why we have our teams on the ground, communicating with local creators on a day-to-day basis,” said Minyoung Kim, VP of Content (APAC ex-India).
According to Neflix, the APAC Showcase “emphasized the variety, quality, and our authentically local slate in Southeast Asia, highlighting how great stories — whether by established or emerging creators — have the power to resonate deeply and reach millions of members worldwide.”
Indonesia: A hub of creativity
In Indonesia, Netflix said it is broadening the variety of original storytelling with a range of genres, including its first local foray into undead territory.
Netflix announced an upcoming Indonesian film with the working title “Abadi Nan Jaya.” Set to premiere in 2025, it follows a dysfunctional family navigating a zombie apocalypse within their traditional herbal medicine business.
Also highlighted was Netflix’s first Indonesian supernatural science fiction series, “Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams.”
“Netflix was the perfect partner to bring this story to life. They were supportive of our creative vision and provided valuable input to enhance the show,” said series creator Joko Anwar, who attended the event.
“We led with local, relatable storylines but put a unique spin on it with the genre. I think everyone will have a different favorite episode — we’re excited to hear from the viewers which ones they’ll relate with the most, he added.
Meanwhile, Rusli Eddy, manager of Netflix Local Originals in Indonesia, shared an exclusive clip of “Borderless Fog,” a crime thriller set along the Indonesia-Malaysia border.
In a fireside chat, its director Edwin discussed the intricate narrative and the unique challenges of filming along the actual border in challenging weather conditions.
“I wanted to dispel misconceptions about life along the border and the people living there. With the investigative nature of this film, I believe the audience will be hooked and eager to find out what happens next,” he noted.
The event also celebrated a local talent that went global. Acclaimed Indonesian director Mouly Surya joined the APAC Showcase from Hollywood to discuss “Trigger Warning,” her upcoming action film starring Jessica Alba as a former Special Forces operative.
Fresh off filming “Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts,” Mouly embraced the opportunity to bring a thematically similar story to life in Hollywood. She hopes that her experience making an American film can transfer valuable learnings to the local film scene.
“My dream is for the Indonesian government to invest more in film education so we can nurture more talent in the country,” Mouly said.
Thailand: Building up the slate
For his part, Sin Thongkongtoon, director of Netflix Thailand Originals, introduced the country’s biggest titles including the recently released “Doctor Climax,” which tackles sometimes taboo topics.
“Doctor Climax” writer and director Kongdej Jaturanrasmee shared his hopes for what the story will achieve.
“Although the series is set in the ‘70s, the themes remain relevant today,” he explained. “I hope this series sparks meaningful discussions and helps normalize sensitive topics.”
With 10 original titles this year (up from six in 2023), Netflix showed no signs of slowing down in Thailand. The audience was treated to an exclusive look at two upcoming Thai series: “Terror Tuesday: Extreme,” a collection of horror stories, and “Tomorrow & I,” a sci-fi anthology series exploring the future intersection of technology within Thai culture.
Netflix Thailand also announced that it will continue this year the Reel Life Film Camp. Launched in 2023, the film camp aims to uphold the high caliber of local content and nurture emerging voices. Designed for aspiring filmmakers, this program offers opportunities to underrepresented youth and creates jobs within the industry.
Philippines: Rising powerhouse
Netflix also announced the upcoming film “Outside,” written and directed by Filipino creator Carlo Ledesma. Set to premiere on October 11, this psychological thriller follows a family seeking shelter during a zombie outbreak.
This marks a significant step, according to Netflix, as the company continues to expand its slate in the Philippines beyond local licensed titles and ramp up investments in originals.
In a moderated discussion with Vitto Lazatin, Netflix’s manager of content acquisition in the Philippines, Ledesma was asked what he felt the scariest part of the movie was.
“More than anything, ‘Outside’ is a story about family,” he said, revealing that this film was his most personal project yet. “It explores how a family could fall apart, and it played out my worst fears as a father,” Ledesma added.
Netflix said its upcoming titles – from spine-chilling horror and crime thrillers, to sci-fi anthologies and complex family dynamics – continue to champion local stories and deliver local perspectives to audiences around the world.
“Our creators can prioritize delivering the stories they’re best equipped to tell and are most passionate about,” said Kim. “But it is on Netflix to make sure that those stories reach audiences not only within their home countries but also beyond domestic markets, enabling audiences around the world to discover the stories that they will love.” (Netflix Newsroom)
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