Five acclaimed film figures honored

JAKARTA: The government honored on Friday five prominent film figures for their contributions to the country's film industry.

Turino Junaedi, the late Njoo Han Siang, and the late Soetarto RM were honored with Satya Lencana Wirakarya medals, while the late actress Sophia WD and acclaimed director Slamet Rahardjo were honored with Ksatria Lencana Kebudayaan medals.

Turino was the founder of PT Sarinande film in the 1960s and a film activist, while Siang was known for developing film techniques. Soetarto was one of the first actors who brought Indonesian film to an international audience, while Sophia was an accredited and respected actress.

The awards ceremony, which was officiated by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, was held in conjunction with National Film Day 2004. --Antara