Local films in Studio 21: Paupers in the Palace?

Local films in Studio 21: Paupers in the Palace?

JAKARTA (JP): The recent decision by the country's giant
cinema operator Studio 21 to open its well-furbished movie
theaters to local films is highly welcomed by many, especially
the film community and regular moviegoers.

But some question the motive, alleging that the too-late offer
is meant to help 21's ailing business because it may no longer be
able to import Hollywood's films due to the crisis.

Whatever the reason, many hope this opening can be used by the
film industry to improve the image that the Indonesian film
community is only good at making cheap sex and action movies,
which do not entertain or educate people at all.

The Jakarta Post spoke with film figures, observers and
moviegoers to gauge reactions:

Slamet Rahardjo, film director and veteran movie star: We
grasp this "freedom" atmosphere as a new challenge for us,
filmmakers. We should use this to accommodate our creativity. But
I think it's too early to call this real freedom because we have
not reached the end of our journey.

In an economic crisis like this, I think we're all crying but
I believe that all of us trying our best to survive. I'm now
finishing my film, Telegram.

We should all appreciate what Garin has achieved. We should
improve our senses to create a variety of themes to make
qualified films. People will be able to enjoy such films in the
future, when the monopoly in film importing and distribution is
lifted. We still need good imported films. But, at the same time,
we also need our films to be watched by the public.

What is the purpose of making films if our films aren't
treated equally, like imported films? We also want to share our
experiences. Simple, maybe, but others might be able to learn
something from us.

Film producer and director Harry Simon: It's a good idea.
There will be a natural selection process (for local and imported
films to compete in the Indonesian market). But things have
become so difficult for us here due to soaring production costs.

One of my colleagues said he had to spend Rp 1 billion to make
a film, compared to Rp 250 million in the past. But I really
believe that we can get the money back easily if the film is
played at cinemas nationwide.

Moreover, film producers are lucky now because we're free to
choose the theme for our movies. We now have more freedom to
express our ideas. Therefore, I suggest we must use this great
moment to make a good start.

Dyah, a regular moviegoer to Studio 21: It might be impossible
to make star-rated films due to the current hardship.

But I wish that Studio 21, if it really wants to give chances
for local films to be played at their cinemas, could play some
Indonesian old top-hit films.

I think it would be really fun, and many people who are now in
their 30s and 40s would be willing to see the movies to recall
their teenagehood, or probably their first date.

Zumrotin of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation: For me, the
(Studio 21's) decision is made only in the interest of their
profit-oriented monopoly, as they are no longer financially
capable of buying imported films. Besides, the political
situation here no longer tolerates such a monopoly.

But we also have to admit that the move will offer a wider
selection for moviegoers because not all people like Western
movies. Previously, those who wanted to see locally made films
(at Studio 21 cinemas) were hard pressed to find one screening.
Such films were considered as unmarketable and were only screened
at lower-class cinemas.

I hope the local film community can produce good films. Garin
Nugroho's Daun Di Atas Bantal (A Leaf on a Pillow) is just a so-
so film, sort of a documentary movie, for me. The film could have
been better. And now, a great opportunity is wide open for the
local film industry.

Hartanto, dean of the Film & TV School of Jakarta Art
Institute: Actually, the offer presents a quite-complicated
proposition because, frankly speaking, the Indonesian film
industry can only produce one or two quality movies per annum. So
while the offer is positive, there are only a few films to be
offered. We all really need more qualified local films.

Film director Nan Triveni Achnas: The current political change
has also brought a change in the local film production industry.

For the times ahead, a big challenge is spread before us.
Filmmakers should make qualified films with good themes ... not
necessarily award winners. We do have the qualified human
resources from the Jakarta Institute of Arts but we have
financial problems.

Banu Dwi Seputra, a graduate of the Indonesian Institute of
Arts in Yogyakarta: I doubt that national films will move on as
expected by many film critics and directors.

The fact here shows that many filmmakers give up easily
because of financial constraints and lack of creativity.

How many good directors do we have at the moment? And how many
movie theaters want to run their movies?

I once worked in a noted production house and the executives
and managers still focused on commercial aspects. Film people are
always in contradiction with businesspeople. They might have
idealism and creativity but lack business finesse.

Antara senior photographer Oscar Matulloh: The offer is good
but too late. For many years, the monopoly had closed its doors
to local films, causing difficulties for the marketing of local
movies.

They (21) should have known that besides entertaining the
public, the cinemas should also act as an education institution.
Now, with the door already open, film producers and Studio 21
should also intensify the promotion of local movies by, for
example, inviting the media to previews. (bsr/emf)