Local films in Studio 21: Paupers in the Palace?<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The recent decision by the country's giant
\ncinema operator Studio 21 to open its well-furbished movie
\ntheaters to local films is highly welcomed by many, especially
\nthe film community and regular moviegoers.<\/p>\n
But some question the motive, alleging that the too-late offer
\nis meant to help 21's ailing business because it may no longer be
\nable to import Hollywood's films due to the crisis.<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason, many hope this opening can be used by the
\nfilm industry to improve the image that the Indonesian film
\ncommunity is only good at making cheap sex and action movies,
\nwhich do not entertain or educate people at all.<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post spoke with film figures, observers and
\nmoviegoers to gauge reactions:<\/p>\n
Slamet Rahardjo, film director and veteran movie star: We
\ngrasp this \"freedom\" atmosphere as a new challenge for us,
\nfilmmakers. We should use this to accommodate our creativity. But
\nI think it's too early to call this real freedom because we have
\nnot reached the end of our journey.<\/p>\n
In an economic crisis like this, I think we're all crying but
\nI believe that all of us trying our best to survive. I'm now
\nfinishing my film, Telegram.<\/p>\n
We should all appreciate what Garin has achieved. We should
\nimprove our senses to create a variety of themes to make
\nqualified films. People will be able to enjoy such films in the
\nfuture, when the monopoly in film importing and distribution is
\nlifted. We still need good imported films. But, at the same time,
\nwe also need our films to be watched by the public.<\/p>\n
What is the purpose of making films if our films aren't
\ntreated equally, like imported films? We also want to share our
\nexperiences. Simple, maybe, but others might be able to learn
\nsomething from us.<\/p>\n
Film producer and director Harry Simon: It's a good idea.
\nThere will be a natural selection process (for local and imported
\nfilms to compete in the Indonesian market). But things have
\nbecome so difficult for us here due to soaring production costs.<\/p>\n
One of my colleagues said he had to spend Rp 1 billion to make
\na film, compared to Rp 250 million in the past. But I really
\nbelieve that we can get the money back easily if the film is
\nplayed at cinemas nationwide.<\/p>\n
Moreover, film producers are lucky now because we're free to
\nchoose the theme for our movies. We now have more freedom to
\nexpress our ideas. Therefore, I suggest we must use this great
\nmoment to make a good start.<\/p>\n
Dyah, a regular moviegoer to Studio 21: It might be impossible
\nto make star-rated films due to the current hardship.<\/p>\n
But I wish that Studio 21, if it really wants to give chances
\nfor local films to be played at their cinemas, could play some
\nIndonesian old top-hit films.<\/p>\n
I think it would be really fun, and many people who are now in
\ntheir 30s and 40s would be willing to see the movies to recall
\ntheir teenagehood, or probably their first date.<\/p>\n
Zumrotin of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation: For me, the
\n(Studio 21's) decision is made only in the interest of their
\nprofit-oriented monopoly, as they are no longer financially
\ncapable of buying imported films. Besides, the political
\nsituation here no longer tolerates such a monopoly.<\/p>\n
But we also have to admit that the move will offer a wider
\nselection for moviegoers because not all people like Western
\nmovies. Previously, those who wanted to see locally made films
\n(at Studio 21 cinemas) were hard pressed to find one screening.
\nSuch films were considered as unmarketable and were only screened
\nat lower-class cinemas.<\/p>\n
I hope the local film community can produce good films. Garin
\nNugroho's Daun Di Atas Bantal (A Leaf on a Pillow) is just a so-
\nso film, sort of a documentary movie, for me. The film could have
\nbeen better. And now, a great opportunity is wide open for the
\nlocal film industry.<\/p>\n
Hartanto, dean of the Film & TV School of Jakarta Art
\nInstitute: Actually, the offer presents a quite-complicated
\nproposition because, frankly speaking, the Indonesian film
\nindustry can only produce one or two quality movies per annum. So
\nwhile the offer is positive, there are only a few films to be
\noffered. We all really need more qualified local films.<\/p>\n
Film director Nan Triveni Achnas: The current political change
\nhas also brought a change in the local film production industry.<\/p>\n
For the times ahead, a big challenge is spread before us.
\nFilmmakers should make qualified films with good themes ... not
\nnecessarily award winners. We do have the qualified human
\nresources from the Jakarta Institute of Arts but we have
\nfinancial problems.<\/p>\n
Banu Dwi Seputra, a graduate of the Indonesian Institute of
\nArts in Yogyakarta: I doubt that national films will move on as
\nexpected by many film critics and directors.<\/p>\n
The fact here shows that many filmmakers give up easily
\nbecause of financial constraints and lack of creativity.<\/p>\n
How many good directors do we have at the moment? And how many
\nmovie theaters want to run their movies?<\/p>\n
I once worked in a noted production house and the executives
\nand managers still focused on commercial aspects. Film people are
\nalways in contradiction with businesspeople. They might have
\nidealism and creativity but lack business finesse.<\/p>\n
Antara senior photographer Oscar Matulloh: The offer is good
\nbut too late. For many years, the monopoly had closed its doors
\nto local films, causing difficulties for the marketing of local
\nmovies.<\/p>\n
They (21) should have known that besides entertaining the
\npublic, the cinemas should also act as an education institution.
\nNow, with the door already open, film producers and Studio 21
\nshould also intensify the promotion of local movies by, for
\nexample, inviting the media to previews. (bsr\/emf)<\/p>",
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