Australian filmmaker Aaron Wilson's debut feature "Canopy" has already made a splash on the international film festival circuit, and his next project, "Under the Banyan Moon", is set to make its mark at this year's JAFF Future Project.
This captivating Australia-Indonesia co-production, which Wilson directed and produced alongside Michael McMahon through Left-Handed Productions, tells the poignant tale of Stella, a 33-year-old schoolteacher from Adelaide who embarks on an impulsive escape to Bali with her best friend after a shocking revelation. There, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Aditya, Elang's enigmatic best friend.
As they navigate the vibrant world of Yogyakarta, their quiet connection forces them both to confront the difference between comfort and courage, ultimately leading them down a path that celebrates cultural exchange and the power of human connection.
Wilson, who has been quietly brewing this story since his first feature "Canopy", draws inspiration from his own experiences moving between Australia and Southeast Asia. The director is drawn to small human moments that reveal our true selves, and he hopes to convey the universality of connection through a beautiful cross-cultural romance.
"This film is about celebrating that connection, leaning into the differences that make us intriguing and the quiet threads that bind us in ways we don’t always realise," Wilson says. "It's essential that we see the story from two distinct points of view, two people from completely different worlds who change each other in ways they never expected."
Wilson also wants audiences to feel the color, rhythm, energy, and majesty of both Adelaide and Yogyakarta as not just exotic settings but as layered emotional characters. The film is designed as a grand, global love story that celebrates cultural exchange and reminds us that love remains one of cinema's most universal languages.
The project has already generated excitement among Indonesian production companies, with the filmmakers hoping to connect with an industry partner who shares their vision for a film that will resonate with audiences across three continents. With sales agents, financiers, and creative collaborators present at JAFF Market, this co-production hub offers the perfect platform for Wilson and McMahon to bring "Under the Banyan Moon" to life.
The project is currently in development as part of the JAFF Future Project, which aims to advance independent works toward completion and distribution. With its rich cultural context, beautiful cinematography, and poignant human story, "Under the Banyan Moon" is poised to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
This captivating Australia-Indonesia co-production, which Wilson directed and produced alongside Michael McMahon through Left-Handed Productions, tells the poignant tale of Stella, a 33-year-old schoolteacher from Adelaide who embarks on an impulsive escape to Bali with her best friend after a shocking revelation. There, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Aditya, Elang's enigmatic best friend.
As they navigate the vibrant world of Yogyakarta, their quiet connection forces them both to confront the difference between comfort and courage, ultimately leading them down a path that celebrates cultural exchange and the power of human connection.
Wilson, who has been quietly brewing this story since his first feature "Canopy", draws inspiration from his own experiences moving between Australia and Southeast Asia. The director is drawn to small human moments that reveal our true selves, and he hopes to convey the universality of connection through a beautiful cross-cultural romance.
"This film is about celebrating that connection, leaning into the differences that make us intriguing and the quiet threads that bind us in ways we don’t always realise," Wilson says. "It's essential that we see the story from two distinct points of view, two people from completely different worlds who change each other in ways they never expected."
Wilson also wants audiences to feel the color, rhythm, energy, and majesty of both Adelaide and Yogyakarta as not just exotic settings but as layered emotional characters. The film is designed as a grand, global love story that celebrates cultural exchange and reminds us that love remains one of cinema's most universal languages.
The project has already generated excitement among Indonesian production companies, with the filmmakers hoping to connect with an industry partner who shares their vision for a film that will resonate with audiences across three continents. With sales agents, financiers, and creative collaborators present at JAFF Market, this co-production hub offers the perfect platform for Wilson and McMahon to bring "Under the Banyan Moon" to life.
The project is currently in development as part of the JAFF Future Project, which aims to advance independent works toward completion and distribution. With its rich cultural context, beautiful cinematography, and poignant human story, "Under the Banyan Moon" is poised to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
it's like, an Aussie-Indo co-production that's all about cultural exchange and connection, which I think is super dope 
️ Aaron Wilson's got a great vibe going on with his storytelling, he's drawing from his own experiences moving between Australia and Southeast Asia, so you can feel the authenticity in the film 
Plus, the cinematography sounds stunning, it's like a grand global love story that'll transport audiences to these amazing cities 
I'm also loving the idea of seeing two different worlds collide, it's like, really highlights our shared humanity 
Can't wait to see how this project comes together at JAFF Future Project 
. And I think it's awesome that Wilson is highlighting the quiet threads that bind us together - we could all use more of those in our lives 
. Can't wait to see this film come together and bring people from different worlds together 
!
with some exotic setting thrown in for good measure. what makes him think it's gonna resonate across 3 continents? has he done market research or something? and who are these production companies generating excitement among? just random Indonesian studios jumping on the bandwagon? also, "quiet threads that bind us" sounds like a total buzzphrase to me 
Yogyakarta sounds like such a vibrant and beautiful place, and I can imagine how stunning it would look on screen. I think audiences from all three continents will really connect with the story - there's something so universal about finding love and connection with someone from a different world.
and the fact that wilson drew inspiration from his own experiences moving between australia and southeast asia adds this layer of authenticity to the story. also, i love how the film celebrates cultural exchange and human connection - it feels like we really need more of those kinds of stories right now 
. I love how Aaron Wilson is drawing from his own experiences moving between the two countries to tell this story - it's authenticity at its finest 
. The fact that he wants to celebrate the power of human connection and cultural exchange is so refreshing 
.
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. The story of Stella and Aditya's connection had me rooting for them from the get-go - I love how it explores the tension between comfort and courage 
. Bring on "Under the Banyan Moon"!
! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a rom-com set in Yogyakarta? But seriously, the whole concept of cultural exchange and finding common ground is so relatable. It's like when you're stuck between two worlds (or in my case, between browsing memes and keeping up with Netflix shows 
), and you just wanna connect with someone who gets it. Wilson's got a knack for storytelling, and I'm all about that "quiet threads" vibe 
. And can we talk about how excited I am for the vibrant world of Yogyakarta to come alive on screen? 
It's all about celebrating those quiet connections that bring us together, you know? 
, and I'm all for it. Can't wait to see this film come to life!
australian filmmaker Aaron Wilson directed it & its based on his own exp's movin between australia & asia 
he wants 2 show how love can cross borders & bring ppl together 
with a gorgeous backdrop of Yogyakarta 
I love how Aaron Wilson's films are all about capturing those quiet moments that reveal our true selves 
. His stories have a way of making me feel like I'm right there with the characters, experiencing their emotions and struggles alongside them 
And can we talk about the cinematography? I mean, I love a good Banyan tree – there's something so majestic and beautiful about 'em. I'm guessing Wilson's gonna do some serious justice to that stunning Indonesian landscape.