Indonesia to host Asia Pacific film festival

JAKARTA (JP): The medium of film crosses the waves and bridges of cultural divides, and people like TV film producer and tycoon Raam Punjabi are hoping it can also help improve the world's view of Indonesia.

"It is pathetic to think that the world sees us constantly in a state of unrest, and we hope this event will help improve our image," said Raam last week in his capacity as a member of the organizing committee for the 46th Asia Pacific Film Festival from Oct. 16 through Oct. 20.

The festival dates back to a meeting of film producers in Manila in 1953. Indonesia has participated in the event since the second film festival the following year. Recent awards received by local filmmakers include the Best Picture award for Garin Nugroho's Daun di atas Bantal (Leaf On A Pillow) in 1998.

Indonesia is hosting the festival for the sixth time since 1970, and the participants this year include filmmakers from Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kuwait, the Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Japan and Iran.

Each participating country is allowed to send a maximum of three movies, including documentaries, for the competition. Indonesia will be selecting three among four films, namely Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sand), Ca Bau Kan, Marsinah and Telegram, some of which are still in the postproduction stage.

Winners in the various film categories will be decided by a jury comprising members from the different participating countries. Director Nugroho and writer Leila S. Chudori are among the Indonesian jurors.

The trophy for the winning film has been designed by flamboyant costume designer Harry Dharsono.

"I created 46 designs for the committee to choose from. I have also have been entrusted with the promotion of this event, including banners, stage decoration and dance performances," Harry said.

A star-studded gala performance will preview the event on Sept. 9 on Indosiar, the official broadcaster for the festival.

The opening ceremony will be held in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta on Oct. 17. The films will be screened at Plaza Senayan cineplex in South Jakarta and Pusat Perfilman Usmar Ismail (PPHUI) in Kuningan, South Jakarta. For more information, please visit www.apff46.com. (Dewi Kurniawan)