Starring Sha Ine Febriyanti and Abimana Aryasatya, the gripping thriller will make its world premiere at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival on November 29, before arriving globally on Netflix on December 3, 2026.
JAKARTA — Indonesian filmmaker Ravi Bharwani is making his highly anticipated return to the big screen with Secrets, an original Netflix thriller set to premiere at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) 2026 on November 29.
Marking his first feature film since the critically acclaimed 27 Steps of May (2018), Secrets brings together two acclaimed Indonesian actors, Sha Ine Febriyanti and Abimana Aryasatya, who share the screen for the first time.
Following its festival premiere, the film will be available to audiences worldwide on Netflix starting December 3, 2026.
Beyond its premiere, Secrets will also compete in the prestigious Indonesian Screen Awards, adding another exciting milestone to its journey.
A New Chapter for Ravi Bharwani at JAFF 2026
The Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival is one of Indonesia’s leading film festivals, dedicated to celebrating and promoting Asian cinema. Through its diverse selection of films, JAFF provides a platform for Asian filmmakers and creative professionals to showcase their work while connecting with audiences and the international film community.
For Ravi Bharwani, having Secrets selected for the festival is a meaningful achievement and an opportunity to bring the film to a wider audience.
“It’s an honor to see this film given the opportunity to screen at one of the leading film festivals. The journey of this film has been one of dedication and collaboration, and I hope it can reach a wider audience and open up meaningful conversations,” Ravi shared.
The film’s participation in JAFF 2026 is particularly significant as it marks the director’s return after 27 Steps of May, a film widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of trauma and healing.
Secrets Competes in the Indonesian Screen Awards
In addition to its festival premiere, Secrets will compete in the Indonesian Screen Awards, an official JAFF award program that has been part of the festival since 2017.
The competition recognizes outstanding achievements in Indonesian filmmaking across ten categories:
- Best Film
- Best Directing
- Best Performance
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Screenplay
- Best Music
- Best Sound Design
- Best Production Design
- Best Poster
Its inclusion in the competition offers another opportunity for Secrets to gain recognition for its storytelling and cinematic achievements.
JAFF is open to the public and regularly showcases Asian films that may not receive conventional theatrical releases in Indonesia. Beyond film screenings, the festival also hosts discussions, film analyses, and workshops featuring local and international filmmakers and critics.
Audiences interested in watching Secrets during the festival can purchase tickets through the TipTip website starting November 21, 2026.
A Mother’s Past Returns to Haunt Her in Secrets
At the heart of Secrets is Parni (Sha Ine Febriyanti), a single mother who escaped an abusive former partner 16 years ago and has spent years building a peaceful life with her daughter.
After working hard to leave her painful past behind, Parni finally seems to have found a sense of stability. However, everything changes when her former partner, Jamal (Abimana Aryasatya), suddenly returns.
Driven by revenge, Jamal threatens to expose Parni’s hidden past, putting the life she has carefully built at risk.
As old wounds resurface and dangerous secrets begin to unfold, Parni must confront the very past she has spent years trying to escape.
Featuring Shenina Cinnamon and Ruth Marini alongside the two lead actors, the film explores several sensitive and complex subjects, including domestic violence, the world of prostitution, and the universal bond between a mother and her child.
Blending mystery with psychological tension and emotional drama, Secrets promises a gripping story that goes beyond its thriller elements to examine the lasting impact of trauma, family relationships, and the struggle to protect the people we love.
When and Where to Watch Secrets
With Ravi Bharwani returning to filmmaking and an impressive ensemble cast bringing the story to life, Secrets is shaping up to be one of the Indonesian films to watch this December.
The film will make its festival premiere at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival on November 29, 2026, before launching globally on Netflix on December 3, 2026.
For those attending JAFF 2026, tickets will be available through TipTip starting November 21.
About Secrets
- Production Service Company: Buddy Buddy Pictures
- Director: Ravi Bharwani
- Writers: Ravi Bharwani and Rayya Makarim
- Producer: Wilza Lubis
- Cast: Sha Ine Febriyanti, Abimana Aryasatya, Shenina Cinnamon, and Ruth Marini
- JAFF Premiere: November 29, 2026
- Global Netflix Release: December 3, 2026
With its compelling mystery, emotionally charged performances, and exploration of difficult social realities, Secrets invites audiences to look beyond the surface and discover what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.
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