Harmoko appoints new film advisory board<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko appointed
\nyesterday a new National Film Advisory Board, whose first task
\nwill be to reinvigorate the moribund local film industry.<\/p>\n
Harmoko, in his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the
\nboard's 25 members, said the local film industry, particularly
\nfor the wide-screen, has been on a downward path in recent years.<\/p>\n
"We can't let this go on," he said, adding that one of the
\nfirst tasks of the new board is to find a way out of the problem.<\/p>\n
The National Film Advisory Board replaces the old National
\nFilm Council. Its members are appointed by a presidential decree,
\nAntara reported.<\/p>\n
The advent of home videos, and more recently of laser discs,
\nand the arrival of commercial television, including foreign
\nnetworks through satellite, have combined to hurt the local film
\nindustry, which has been battered by strong competition from
\nforeign films.<\/p>\n
The recession in the local film industry has been eased by the
\ngrowing demand for sinetron (made-for-television dramas), from
\ncommercial networks. Many artists in the local film industry have
\nturned their resources and talent to the production of sinetron.<\/p>\n
In his speech yesterday Harmoko emphasized the need for the
\nboard to improve the professionalism of people in the industry so
\nthat they could produce films that are pleasant to watch.<\/p>\n
He said the local film industry must retain its identity in
\norder to survive foreign competition, now even more fierce in the
\nera of free trade.<\/p>\n
The minister urged the board to maintain the long-held
\ncommitment of the local film industry: that films must not be
\ntreated simply as commercial commodities.<\/p>\n
Harmoko also asked the board to do something about the
\nwidespread distribution, sales and rentals, of uncensored laser
\ndiscs throughout Indonesia.<\/p>\n
"Such a venture (of circulating uncensored laser discs) is
\nspreading poison in our society," he said.<\/p>\n
The government's supervision of the film industry is currently
\nundergoing major reorganization. Last week, the Film Censor
\nInstitute was set up to replace the old Film Censor Board.<\/p>\n
Harmoko said the advisory board must work together with the
\ncensorship institute, and other related agencies in the film
\nindustry, to ensure the production of quality movies.<\/p>\n
The advisory board's 25 members include representatives of the
\ngovernment, the film industry, the education and cultural world,
\nand religious organizations.<\/p>\n
Immediately after their appointment, the board's members held
\ntheir first meeting and later announced the line up of its
\nexecutive board, which is chaired by Johan Tjasmadi. Rosihan
\nAnwar was appointed as his deputy and Narto Erawan as secretary.<\/p>\n
Two commissions were formed. Commission A, dealing with film
\nproduction, is chaired by Slamet Rahardjo Djarot, with Husni
\nRusjdi as deputy and Budiati Abiyoga as secretary.<\/p>\n
Commission B, which overseas film exports and imports, is
\nchaired by Turino Junaidy, with Riyanto B.Yosokumoro as deputy
\nand Hidayat Efendi as secretary. (emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/harmoko-appoints-new-film-advisory-board-1447893297",
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