What's become of our film industry?

What's become of our film industry?

M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian film industry has shown signs of recovery over the past few years. While that is encouraging, the industry still needs more support, particularly from the government, if it is to continue growing. This Sunday's edition seeks to look into the issue as part of the commemoration of National Film Day on March 30.

When the credits rolled after two leading roles in comedy flick Banyubiru, Tora Sudiro and Dian Sastrowardoyo waltzed their way out of the closing scene and the lights were once again turned on, moviegoers were reluctant to get up from their seats and kept on watching until the screen turned white and the last note from the soundtrack faded out, as if wanting more.

On their way out of the cinema, situated inside Taman Ismail Marzuki in Central Jakarta, the moviegoers chattered on about the hyperrealism of the film and lack of exploration of other characters, but praising its excellent cinematography.

Banyubiru, which was shown two weeks ago and is still playing in theaters around the country tells the journey of one man, Banyu, in search of his estranged father, whom he reviled for abandoning his family. The film's surreal plot and tense father- son relationship evokes memories of Tim Burton's latest offering Big Fish.

Despite their dismay, the moviegoers, who numbered just a handful, in fact were the loyal supporters of Indonesian films and probably the reason why local films still prevail, despite the onslaught of Hollywood films, which never get scarce.

"I am a big fan of Indonesian films, whenever a new film comes out, I always come out to see," Hendra told The Jakarta Post, while tossing his popcorn bag in the trash.

And with people like Hendra, Indonesian filmmakers can draw a sigh of relief, because in spite of multiple challenges and limitations that have impacted on the quality and quantity of local films, there are those who still see them with appreciation.

Veteran filmmaker and award-winning actor Slamet Rahardjo Jarot said that the enthusiasm shown by the audience towards Indonesian movies was a good sign for the revival of Indonesian film, regardless of the their quality.

"Quality is something of a luxury here. It is too much too ask. The fact that there are young people who are willing to do something to build the local film industry is something that we should be grateful for," Jarot explained.

Slamet said that the local movie scene had shown a heartening new development with the release of some quality films in recent periods, despite the lack, if not absence, of support from the government.

"Arisan and Banyubiru are examples of good films that showcased the good craftsmanship of our young filmmakers. We have so many talented filmmakers compared to neighboring countries," he said, citing the best film at the 2004 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) and the recently released film in which he played a key role.

He said that it was too early to make a judgment, as building a robust film industry would mean a laborious process.

Marking what could be considered the revival of Indonesian film, late last year the government held the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), which had been absent for 12 years. The festival was held in tandem with an increased number of films. From one film released in 2000, there were four in 2001, eight in 2002, 13 in 2003 and 18 in 2004.

The festival rode on the coattails of the hype generated by local blockbuster movies, which had drawn millions of people back to the cinema, the likes of Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (What's up With Love), Petualangan Sherina (Sherina's Adventure) and Eiffel, I'm In Love.

Acclaimed director Garin Nugroho said an increase in the number of local films does not mean an established film industry.

"We need the consistent production of at least 20 films per year over a five-year period," he told the Post, adding that the number of films per year has to be supplemented with at least five films, which meet international standards of good filmmaking.

Garin's own film Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (Moon Pricked by Grass) and Daun Di Atas Bantal (Leaves on the Pillow) have won awards in scores of international film festivals.

Against a widely held assumption that Hollywood movies hold back the development of local films, Garin said that they should in fact spur innovation on the part of local filmmakers, provided the government could draw up proper policies in dealing with imported films.

"In Thailand, there is a government regulation that requires film importers to reproduce their copies at local laboratories. Such a policy encourages the local film industry catch up with international film standard," he said.

Garin said that local film productions these days were fueled solely by the youthful spirit of the local filmmakers.

He also warned that the local films could once again be killed off by the unhealthy penchant among some local filmmakers who merely look for a quick cash turnover, thereby disregarding quality and just making "assembly line" flicks.

"It is not the audience who killed our films, but those who are in the film industry themselves, those who want to reap profits as quickly as possible," he said.