Mentawai to join arts festival

PADANG, West Sumatra: Mentawai district will represent the province of West Sumatra at an indigenous arts festival in Montoire, France, from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20.

Provincial official Alimin Sinapa said here Saturday that a cultural troupe from Mentawai would perform and exhibit at the festival, to be participated in by 60 countries.

He was quoted by Antara as saying that the troupe from Mentawai, an isolated island, would depart for France in July.

The group is due to participate in seven other festivals in French cities.

Sinapa said that Montoire festival director Jean Francois Proux had asked West Sumatra's administration to send a videotape on Mentawi traditional arts that could be screened on French television.

"Mentawai's participation in the festival is significant because it will promote the province's culture and tourism in France," Sinapa said.

He said the troupe would also exhibit local handicrafts at the festival.

"It will be a great advantage for us because it is an international standard festival," he added.