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)