Wanted: Independent films, video producers for show

JAKARTA (JP): Do you like to make films? If the answer is yes, go and submit your work to the upcoming Indonesian Independent Film and Video Festival.

There is still plenty of time as the festival's organizer will be accepting works until Sept. 6.

Unlike most film festivals, which require submissions to follow certain themes and then divide the films into several categories, this festival will allow the participation of all independent works as along as their running time does not exceed an hour, and they are original and innovative.

Any works should not be over two years old and must not have been included in the first festival, which was held last year.

This year's festival is scheduled to be held over three days, from October 26 to October 28, at Usmar Ismail Film Center in Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

"Through this festival, we want to build people's appreciation of Indonesian films," said M. Haikal, president of Konfiden, which organizes the event.

This year's festival, which is expected to match the first festival in 1999 with the screening of over 91 works, will also include discussions, and exhibitions.

"We expect the festival will help channel young filmmakers' works and expose them to the outside. At this festival, all young and professional filmmakers, experts, film observers and members of the press can meet and hopefully the festival can help the resurrection of the Indonesian film industry," Haikal said.

The festival's organizer has already received a number of films from those wanting to take part in the event. It has listed 21 films from Jakarta, 12 films from Bandung and 15 films from Yogyakarta.

"We still expect more film-makers to participate in this festival," said Rizki, the festival's coordinator.

At the festival, favorite films will not be determined by a special jury, but will be selected by the viewers.

For further information, call Konfiden at (021) 8590.8123, or email to konfiden@yahoo.com. (ste)