Fadli Zon hails the arrival of micro cinemas to support film distribution
Jakarta — Cultural Minister Fadli Zon said that the Indonesian film industry is showing very good development today, but there is a challenge of a shortage of screens in Indonesia, which is a problem that needs the support of various parties. He also welcomed the digital-based micro cinemas, which can broaden the distribution of films to various regions.
‘These Digi screens can reach as far as sub-districts, even areas that do not yet have cinemas; this is extraordinary. The opportunities are vast, and this will help culture while also driving the downstream creative economy. We must safeguard the ecosystem so that the public continues to come to cinemas,’ the Culture Minister said in a statement received and confirmed in Jakarta, on Thursday.
On the occasion, Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya said that the appearance of Layar Digi has the right momentum in the midst of rising production and quality of national films. He assessed that demand for screen access is increasing, while not all regencies and municipalities have cinema facilities. He added that many local governments have expressed hopes that screen access can be expanded in their areas. ‘If this is focused, it won’t be long before this becomes one of the largest cinema networks in Indonesia,’ Teuku Riefky asserted.
Meanwhile, Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo, President Commissioner of PT Teknologi Layar Digital, explained that Layar Digi was developed as part of an effort to strengthen upstream and downstream synergy of the national film industry. He also stated that Layar Digi is designed to reach areas across Indonesia, including reintroducing Indonesian films that have become an important part of the history of the national film industry so that young generations in various regions can enjoy them on the big screen. ‘Our hope is to support and encourage the creativity of the nation’s children. It also creates new jobs in the creative sector. We are open to cooperating with various parties so that people in all corners of Indonesia can enjoy the works of the nation on the big screen,’ said Rahayu Saraswati.
Layar Digi is a micro cinema concept that utilises strategic commercial spaces to deliver a film-watching experience with a capacity smaller than conventional cinemas, but still prioritising high-quality digital projection and adequate sound. The initiative is motivated by the need to equalise screen access, given that most cinemas are still concentrated in major cities. Layar Digi is planned to be developed gradually to various regencies and cities in Indonesia as part of a strategy to expand the network.