'Biola' up for Oscar nomination

INDONESIA: Sekar Ayu Asmara's Biola Tak Berdawai (A Stringless Violin) is an official entry for the 2004 Academy Awards in the category of best foreign language film.

The film -- the story of a woman (Ria Irawan) starting over from a traumatic past by opening a home for disabled children in Yogyakarta -- is competing against works from 54 other countries to receive a nomination in the category, Kalyana Shira Film company said in a release.

Final nominations will be announced on Jan. 27, 2004.

Director Sekar Ayu received the award for best first work of a director at the Cairo International Film Festival last week.

-- JP