Funds snag documentary film producers

Funds snag documentary film producers

By Danielle Bray

JAKARTA (JP): Finding funding is a perennial problem for
filmmakers all over the world, but it is particularly acute in
Indonesia for projects like documentaries.

"I have had countless projects that have been neglected
because of a lack of funds," said Debbie, an editor of
commercials, who participated in the recent Cultural Documentary
Seminar. "There was not enough money for their release."

She also expressed the sad reality of many independent
filmmakers who compromised the quality of their projects due to
the high price of film. "Many artists have had to work with
video, which is a far cheaper medium."

The seminar, marked by open discussions, a passion for the
arts, cultural preservation and stimulating conversation, was
judged a success.

Held at the Summitmas building in Central Jakarta from July 28
to July 30, it was intended to promote cultural documentaries
within societies where traditions are being lost from daily
routines. The seminar continued in Yogyakarta from Aug. 1 to Aug.
3.

It was originally developed on a much smaller scale. However,
through the perseverance of project directors Shanty Harmayn and
Rhoda Grauer, it grew into proportions beyond their initial
vision. They approached Philip Yampolsky from the Ford Foundation
for sponsorship; he applauded the aspirations of the duo and
suggested the seminar's expansion. The Japan Foundation offered
their facilities to host the event, and with the added support of
Indonesian Independent Film Community Foundation, their dream
became a reality.

Guests included American documentary filmmaker Les Blank and
the executive director of the Robert Flaherty seminar, L. Somi
Roy. The two guests offered diversity among the group, allowing
for an exchange of ideas and cultural education within the
relaxed atmosphere. Open discussion was encouraged, and a variety
of technical and personal questions confronted the artists.

Somi Roy said that in cultural documentary seminars,
"discussion is a conversation breakdown between the presenter and
the viewer ... it enables them to see the film through each
other's eyes". Not only did the group learn from the
distinguished guests, but the visitors also took away some newly
acquired knowledge.

The seminar was designed for filmmakers, cultural researchers,
scholars and academics. Participants were given an opportunity to
view examples of cultural documentaries from a collection of
international filmmakers in an open environment of collaboration
and exchange. It was free of charge to a limited amount of
participants and by invitation only. Of 85 participants
registered, about 60 were in attendance each day

They ranged from accomplished filmmakers and directors to
recent graduates eager to learn more about the subject. The
primary interest of the group was to learn the methods of
documentary filmmaking, including how to document culture,
tradition and values.

"Cultural studies in film are a great way to communicate with
people," a recent graduate in anthropology from the University of
Indonesia, Delvi Sinambela, explained. "It gives us the option to
talk about the cultures we see."

Indonesia is a location that is studied and documented
frequently by international companies, such as the Discovery
Channel, and other broad-based corporations. These companies
have the luxury of budgets that are unavailable to many local
filmmakers. Unfortunately, the arts are rarely awarded the
funding they deserve in Indonesia.

There is a large international interest in the country,
especially since it has captured world headlines. However, it
still lacks the knowledge and foundation to become a force in
global documentary production.

"Unfortunately Indonesia is not tapped into the rest of the
film world ... there is so much excitement, energy and culture to
explore here," Grauer said. The seminar helped to expose the
necessity of preserving culture by way of visual mediums. Local
documentaries such as Bali Nocturne, Nama Saya Selasih and Mbok
Jamu were screened over the weekend which brought hope and
encouragement to upcoming filmmakers in the group.

Shanty and Grauer were excited and impressed by the enthusiasm
and numbers of the participants. "This was a trial run. It would
be great if it could become an annual event," Shanty said.

The audience seemed equally as impressed with the seminar.

"Open discussions on documentary films are very difficult to
find in Indonesia ... I think it is important in order to develop
a wider variety of this type of film within our own country,"
said a student from the Jakarta Institute of the Arts.

Indonesia has always had difficulty expressing itself within
the global spectrum. Creativity and the individual voice have
been stifled. A professor of film studies, Tanete AP Masak,
said: "Film schools in Indonesia are relatively poor. The
freedom of cultural expression has always been considered
dangerous ... a threat to society."

With the country stepping into the reform era, how the
individual voice is expressed, including in film, will be
important.

The seminar proved a success. In a culture-rich environment
such as Indonesia, patrons of the event all agreed on the
necessity of preserving depleting traditions. Globalization,
influences of the West and lack of concern were all discussed as
reasons to work even harder to protect what could be lost in
time.

It appears the participants are interested in creating a
medium for their message, and exposing what they have to offer
internationally. Finance will always pose a hindrance, but
hopefully through the continued awareness of the necessity to
document culture, the country's filmmakers will find willing
patrons of sponsorship.

For more information on international documentary seminars and
film databases, please refer to:http://us.imdb.com and
www.flahertyseminar.org