HONG KONG -- The ninth running of the Jakarta Int'l Film Festival (Jiffest) (7-16 Dec) wrapped Sunday with "3 Days to Forever" named as the best Indonesian pic.
Pic, helmed by Riri Riza collected a $5,000 prize, as did Deddy Mizwar, named as best Indonesian helmer, for his pic "Nagabonar (Becomes) 2."
A separate jury awarded the human rights award to "Playing Between Elephants," helmed by Aryo Danusiri.
Richest prizes on offer were the Euros 5,000 for feature movie projects in the third running of the Jiffest Script Development Competition. Each receiving the coin from the Hubert Bals Foundation were "Opa's Letter" (Surat Opa) by Dina Jasanti and "A Beautiful Thing" (Yang Terindah) by Andibachtiar Yusuf.
Fest, which has struggled for survival against the indifference of local authorities, said that it had received a promise of support from Fauzi Bowo, the newly appointed Governor of Jakarta, Fauzi Bowo, throughout the length of his term in office.
In total event included screening of 180 films from 33 countries at a range of locations around the city. Organizers said that although budget was cut by 30% to IDR3.8 billion ($410,000), spectator numbers dropped by only 15% to 54,000.
Top ticket sellers included Indonesian closing film "Chants of Lotus" and controversial opener "Persepolis," "Into the Wild," docu "The US vs John Lennon," Coen brothers’ "No Country For Old Men," and local pic "The Photograph."
9th Jakarta Int'l Film Fest Prize Winners
Best Indonesian film
"3 Days to Forever" (3 Hari Untuk Selamanya) Riri Riza.
Best Indonesian director
Deddy Mizwar "Nagabonar (Becomes) 2" (Nagabonar (Jadi) 2).
Movies that Matter Human Rights Award for Best Human Rights
"Playing Between Elephants" Aryo Danusiri
Script Development Competition
Documentary Category
"Life and Death of Dogel Cinema" (Layar Tancep Dogel) Endah WS
"Justice for all" (Nur Idham Bin) Masrur Jamaludin
Short Fiction Script Category
"Traffic Jam" Tam Notosusanto
"The Visit" (Yang Kembali) Erwin Indrawan
Feature Script Category
"Opa’s Letter" (Surat Opa) Dinna Jasanti
"A Beautiful Thing" (Yang Terindah) by Andibachtiar Yusuf
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Indonesian filmmakers stage demonstration
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Written by Patrick Frater
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Story Categories: censorship, Film, Indonesia, People, regulation,
HONG KONG – Film-makers in Indonesia this week launched two separate protest movements.
Highest profile of these is an action in the country's Constitutional Court against the film censorship system. They claim the system is in breach of two of Indonesia's own human rights laws.
Action is brought by the Indonesian Film Society (Masyarakat Film Indonesia), spearheaded by helmer and producer Nia Dinata, helmer Riri Reza, Lalu Roisamria, actress Shanty and academic Tino Saroenggalo. In total over 200 prominent industryites put their name to a petition in 2006, which led to the current court case.
The IFS is also behind a series of boycotts of the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), a national awards ceremony. Last year the Citra award for best film was given to "Ekskul," a camp comedy drama that allegedly stole music from the Korean film "Taegukgi" (Variety, Jan 5, 2007.)
According to local reports more than ten film-makers have turned down nominations for this year's FFI arguing that the awards ceremony and fest are not properly run.
Written by Patrick Frater
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Story Categories: censorship, Film, Indonesia, People, regulation,
HONG KONG – Film-makers in Indonesia this week launched two separate protest movements.
Highest profile of these is an action in the country's Constitutional Court against the film censorship system. They claim the system is in breach of two of Indonesia's own human rights laws.
Action is brought by the Indonesian Film Society (Masyarakat Film Indonesia), spearheaded by helmer and producer Nia Dinata, helmer Riri Reza, Lalu Roisamria, actress Shanty and academic Tino Saroenggalo. In total over 200 prominent industryites put their name to a petition in 2006, which led to the current court case.
The IFS is also behind a series of boycotts of the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), a national awards ceremony. Last year the Citra award for best film was given to "Ekskul," a camp comedy drama that allegedly stole music from the Korean film "Taegukgi" (Variety, Jan 5, 2007.)
According to local reports more than ten film-makers have turned down nominations for this year's FFI arguing that the awards ceremony and fest are not properly run.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Jakarta fest courts controversy
HONG KONG – Jakarta Int'l Film Fest (Jiffest) has unveiled a selection of 170 movies from 35 countries to play at the 9th frame of the event next month (Dec 7-16.)
It opens with "Persepolis," the animated portrayal of life in Iran by Marjane Satrapi that preemed in Cannes and was previously set to open the Bangkok festival, before that festival removed it following a protest from the Iranian Embassy.
Event will wrap on another controversial note. For the first time closing night film is set as the preem of a local movie. "Chants of Lotus" is an omnibus film about marginalized women in modern Indonesia, directed by four women filmmakers, Nia Dinata, Lasja F. Susatyo, Upi and Fatimah Tobing.
Fest contains 'A View From The SEA,' a section dedicated to South East Asian cinema, plus other sections dedicated to 'World Cinema,' documentaries, shorts and a tribute to legendary Malay thespian P. Ramlee. Int'l pictures include: "No Country for old men," "The Namesake," Cannes winner "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age."
JiFFest will also play host to two other premieres: Indonesian docu "The Conductors," by Andibachtiar Yusuf, and winners of last year's JiFFest script development competition "Crescent Moon Over the sea," by Yuli Andari and "Boy Meets Girl" by Erik Bachtiar and Utawa Tresno.
This year's script competition and workshop will concentrate on three categories, documentary, features and shorts, and take place at the InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza.
Screening events will unspool at the new Blitz Megaplex in Grand Indonesia shopping mall and cultural centers including the GoetheHaus, Erasmus Huis and Kineforum at Ismail Marzuki Arts Centre.
It opens with "Persepolis," the animated portrayal of life in Iran by Marjane Satrapi that preemed in Cannes and was previously set to open the Bangkok festival, before that festival removed it following a protest from the Iranian Embassy.
Event will wrap on another controversial note. For the first time closing night film is set as the preem of a local movie. "Chants of Lotus" is an omnibus film about marginalized women in modern Indonesia, directed by four women filmmakers, Nia Dinata, Lasja F. Susatyo, Upi and Fatimah Tobing.
Fest contains 'A View From The SEA,' a section dedicated to South East Asian cinema, plus other sections dedicated to 'World Cinema,' documentaries, shorts and a tribute to legendary Malay thespian P. Ramlee. Int'l pictures include: "No Country for old men," "The Namesake," Cannes winner "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age."
JiFFest will also play host to two other premieres: Indonesian docu "The Conductors," by Andibachtiar Yusuf, and winners of last year's JiFFest script development competition "Crescent Moon Over the sea," by Yuli Andari and "Boy Meets Girl" by Erik Bachtiar and Utawa Tresno.
This year's script competition and workshop will concentrate on three categories, documentary, features and shorts, and take place at the InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza.
Screening events will unspool at the new Blitz Megaplex in Grand Indonesia shopping mall and cultural centers including the GoetheHaus, Erasmus Huis and Kineforum at Ismail Marzuki Arts Centre.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Photograph
A Sintesa Group presentation of a Triximages (Indonesia)/Salto Films (Indonesia)/Les Petites Lumieres (France) co-production, in association with Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres Centre National de la Cinematographie Fonds Sud (France)/Goteborg Film Fund (Sweden)/Prince Claus Film Fund (Netherlands)/Visions Sud Est Switzerland (Switzerland)/Open Doors Factory (Switzerland)/Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (Switzerland)/Orangewaterland (Indonesia). (International sales: Salto Films, Jakarta.) Produced by Paquita Widjaja-Aftef, Shanty Harmayn, Nan Achnas. Co-producer Natacha Devilliers.
(cq)
A fallen woman on the run develops a new life with the aid of a troubled photographer in “The Photograph,” the fourth feature from Indonesian helmer Nan Achnas, whose keen eye, and quality lensing, provides a visually luxuriant film experience. Pic was released locally in July, and some arthouse play is possible in niche markets across Asia and Europe, but deliberately paced yarn — with strong central perfs, delivered with sensitivity — is more likely to be confined to fest circuit.
Aging photographer Johan (Lim Kay Tong) operates his portrait business in an unnamed Indonesian town (pic was shot in Central Java’s Semarang).
Scorned by the townfolk for his habit of performing mourning rituals on the local railway track, snapper lives alone and is clearly haunted by mysterious photographs placed on his meditation altar.
Elsewhere in the town, 25-year-old Sita (Shanty) removes her personal photographs from a room from which she has just been evicted. The pair meet, apparently not for the first time, and a little too conveniently the homeless Sita convinces the reluctant Johan to let her move into his vacant attic.
Working as a prostie in a karaoke bar, Sita sends most of her earnings to the distant village where her frail mom is looking after protag’s 5-year-old daughter. However, when she is gang-raped by several customers set up by her overbearing pimp Suroso (Lukman Sardi), Sita’s leaves the oldest profession behind.
Her major source of income removed, Sita earns her keep by cleaning Johan’s premises. The photographer announces he is urgently seeking an apprentice before his impending death, but dismisses Sita’s candidacy because she’s a woman. Unruffled by his rejection, Sita helps Johan search for a successor while her curiosity about photography and Johan’s problems continue to grow.
Narrative is straightforward and deals its cards slowly, and only takes from the bottom of the deck when delivering denouement’s literary-style twist. Helming is clean and uncluttered. Perfs have authentic ring and rapport between Lim and Shanty is convincing. Sardi, who impressed in Rudy Soedjarwo’s “9 Dragons” last year, provides credible menace as the angry pimp. Detailed production design by Men Fo goes a long way into creating the right atmosphere, and is further enhanced by Yadi Sugandi’s quality lensing. Other tech credits are of a high standard.
Directed, written by Nan Achnas. Camera (color), Yadi Sugandi; editor, Sastha Sunu; music, Aksan Sjuman, Titi Handayani; art director, Men Fo; sound, Xavier Marsais, Satrio Budiono. Reviewed on DVD, Brisbane Sept. 26, 2007. (In Pusan Intl. Film Festial — A Window on Asian Cinema). Running time: 94 MIN.
With: Kay Tong Lim, Shanty , Lukman Sardi, Indi Barends.
(cq)
A fallen woman on the run develops a new life with the aid of a troubled photographer in “The Photograph,” the fourth feature from Indonesian helmer Nan Achnas, whose keen eye, and quality lensing, provides a visually luxuriant film experience. Pic was released locally in July, and some arthouse play is possible in niche markets across Asia and Europe, but deliberately paced yarn — with strong central perfs, delivered with sensitivity — is more likely to be confined to fest circuit.
Aging photographer Johan (Lim Kay Tong) operates his portrait business in an unnamed Indonesian town (pic was shot in Central Java’s Semarang).
Scorned by the townfolk for his habit of performing mourning rituals on the local railway track, snapper lives alone and is clearly haunted by mysterious photographs placed on his meditation altar.
Elsewhere in the town, 25-year-old Sita (Shanty) removes her personal photographs from a room from which she has just been evicted. The pair meet, apparently not for the first time, and a little too conveniently the homeless Sita convinces the reluctant Johan to let her move into his vacant attic.
Working as a prostie in a karaoke bar, Sita sends most of her earnings to the distant village where her frail mom is looking after protag’s 5-year-old daughter. However, when she is gang-raped by several customers set up by her overbearing pimp Suroso (Lukman Sardi), Sita’s leaves the oldest profession behind.
Her major source of income removed, Sita earns her keep by cleaning Johan’s premises. The photographer announces he is urgently seeking an apprentice before his impending death, but dismisses Sita’s candidacy because she’s a woman. Unruffled by his rejection, Sita helps Johan search for a successor while her curiosity about photography and Johan’s problems continue to grow.
Narrative is straightforward and deals its cards slowly, and only takes from the bottom of the deck when delivering denouement’s literary-style twist. Helming is clean and uncluttered. Perfs have authentic ring and rapport between Lim and Shanty is convincing. Sardi, who impressed in Rudy Soedjarwo’s “9 Dragons” last year, provides credible menace as the angry pimp. Detailed production design by Men Fo goes a long way into creating the right atmosphere, and is further enhanced by Yadi Sugandi’s quality lensing. Other tech credits are of a high standard.
Directed, written by Nan Achnas. Camera (color), Yadi Sugandi; editor, Sastha Sunu; music, Aksan Sjuman, Titi Handayani; art director, Men Fo; sound, Xavier Marsais, Satrio Budiono. Reviewed on DVD, Brisbane Sept. 26, 2007. (In Pusan Intl. Film Festial — A Window on Asian Cinema). Running time: 94 MIN.
With: Kay Tong Lim, Shanty , Lukman Sardi, Indi Barends.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
VTV3 and Trans TV ready "Karaoke Showdown"
BEIJING – Vietnamese free-to-air broadcaster VTV3 and Indonesia’s Trans TV have licensed the format rights to “Karaoke Showdown” from Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI).
Deals rep the first time the musical variety show has been brought to Asia, though it has been a success around Europe, with format rights sold in Germany, Russia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Poland and Serbia.
Deals rep the first time the musical variety show has been brought to Asia, though it has been a success around Europe, with format rights sold in Germany, Russia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Poland and Serbia.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
"Kala"
An MD Pictures production. (International sales: MD, Jakarta.) Produced by Dhamoo Punjabi, Manoj Punjabi. Executive producer, Shania Punjabi. Directed, written by Joko Anwar.
With: Fachri Albar, Ario Bayu, Shanty, Fahrani, Tipi Jabrik, August Melasz, Rima Melati, Yose Rizal Manua, Arswendi Nasution, Sujiwo Tejo, Frans Tumbuan.
An initially arresting, noirish drama that starts jumping the tracks midway, "Kala" begins as a conspiracy thriller-cum-ghost yarn and ends as a mythical martial-artser. Way too ambitious for its own good, sophomore outing by former film critic Joko Anwar, whose spry 2005 romantic comedy "Joni's Promise" toured Asian fests, shows a talented writer-director who just needs more focus. Local hit on April release looks to penetrate no further than orientalist gatherings.
Set in a deliberately timeless world heavy on '50s atmosphere and black sedans, story centers on a narcoleptic journo, Janus (Fachri Albar), and a gay cop, Eros (Ario Bayu), trying to unravel some mysterious deaths that start with the torching of five people. Convoluted plot, which isn't made easy to follow by Anwar's preference for mood over clarity, spins on a hidden stash (known as the First President's Treasure) that's guarded by a ghost and is sought by corrupt politicos. Handsome guys (Albar, Bayu) and perfidious dames (Shanty, Fahrani) populate what's basically a dime-store novel with nationalistic undertones, set in an ochry world of corruption and greed. Tech package, on a $600,000 tab, is sultry. "Kala" literally means "time."
Camera (color/B&W), Rachmat Syaiful; editor, Wawan I. Wibowo; music, David Tarigan, Zeke Khaselli; art director, Wencislaus; costume designers, Isabelle Patrice, Tania Soeprapto. Reviewed at PiFan Film Festival (closer), South Korea, July 19, 2007. (Also in Bangkok Film Festival.) Running time: 104 MIN.
With: Fachri Albar, Ario Bayu, Shanty, Fahrani, Tipi Jabrik, August Melasz, Rima Melati, Yose Rizal Manua, Arswendi Nasution, Sujiwo Tejo, Frans Tumbuan.
An initially arresting, noirish drama that starts jumping the tracks midway, "Kala" begins as a conspiracy thriller-cum-ghost yarn and ends as a mythical martial-artser. Way too ambitious for its own good, sophomore outing by former film critic Joko Anwar, whose spry 2005 romantic comedy "Joni's Promise" toured Asian fests, shows a talented writer-director who just needs more focus. Local hit on April release looks to penetrate no further than orientalist gatherings.
Set in a deliberately timeless world heavy on '50s atmosphere and black sedans, story centers on a narcoleptic journo, Janus (Fachri Albar), and a gay cop, Eros (Ario Bayu), trying to unravel some mysterious deaths that start with the torching of five people. Convoluted plot, which isn't made easy to follow by Anwar's preference for mood over clarity, spins on a hidden stash (known as the First President's Treasure) that's guarded by a ghost and is sought by corrupt politicos. Handsome guys (Albar, Bayu) and perfidious dames (Shanty, Fahrani) populate what's basically a dime-store novel with nationalistic undertones, set in an ochry world of corruption and greed. Tech package, on a $600,000 tab, is sultry. "Kala" literally means "time."
Camera (color/B&W), Rachmat Syaiful; editor, Wawan I. Wibowo; music, David Tarigan, Zeke Khaselli; art director, Wencislaus; costume designers, Isabelle Patrice, Tania Soeprapto. Reviewed at PiFan Film Festival (closer), South Korea, July 19, 2007. (Also in Bangkok Film Festival.) Running time: 104 MIN.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Celestial localizes Movies for Indonesia
HONG KONG -- Celestial Pictures announced Friday an initiative to fully localize its 24-hour Chinese movie channel Celestial Movies for Indonesia.
From Sunday all movies aired on Celestial Movies will be subtitled in Bahasa Indonesia, and all on-air promotions will be fully dubbed in Bahasa Indonesia.
Channel was launched in Indonesia in 2003 and typically screens 200 first-run films and 300 older titles per year.
"The localization of Celestial Movies supports the growing popularity of the channel among Indonesian viewers, and allows viewers to enjoy the channel in their own language," William Pfeiffer, Celestial Pictures CEO, said.
Net is available in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.
From Sunday all movies aired on Celestial Movies will be subtitled in Bahasa Indonesia, and all on-air promotions will be fully dubbed in Bahasa Indonesia.
Channel was launched in Indonesia in 2003 and typically screens 200 first-run films and 300 older titles per year.
"The localization of Celestial Movies supports the growing popularity of the channel among Indonesian viewers, and allows viewers to enjoy the channel in their own language," William Pfeiffer, Celestial Pictures CEO, said.
Net is available in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Indonesia expels music mogul
Lou Pearlman, the boy-band mogul of the late 1990s who became a fugitive earlier this year, was expelled by Indonesian authorities Thursday and turned over to the FBI.
Pearlman was arrested on one felony count of bank fraud and appeared before a judge in Guam. He faces several lawsuits and two involuntary bankruptcy proceedings in Florida, where he built an empire by creating the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync and guiding their careers.
Pearlman is accused of defrauding about 1,000 investors of more than $315 million in a bogus savings-account plan scheme. Banks are asking for more than $120 million from Pearlman, according to bankruptcy court documents. Federal charges were filed in a criminal complaint March 2.
Federal and state authorities raided Pearlman's home and offices in February, and the bulk of his possessions were auctioned off earlier this week. His house is listed for $8.5 million.
Indonesian authorities, working off an FBI tip, deemed him an "undesirable visitor" and tossed him out of the country. Pearlman was apprehended at a hotel on the island of Bali.
(Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Pearlman was arrested on one felony count of bank fraud and appeared before a judge in Guam. He faces several lawsuits and two involuntary bankruptcy proceedings in Florida, where he built an empire by creating the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync and guiding their careers.
Pearlman is accused of defrauding about 1,000 investors of more than $315 million in a bogus savings-account plan scheme. Banks are asking for more than $120 million from Pearlman, according to bankruptcy court documents. Federal charges were filed in a criminal complaint March 2.
Federal and state authorities raided Pearlman's home and offices in February, and the bulk of his possessions were auctioned off earlier this week. His house is listed for $8.5 million.
Indonesian authorities, working off an FBI tip, deemed him an "undesirable visitor" and tossed him out of the country. Pearlman was apprehended at a hotel on the island of Bali.
(Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Queen nabs high profile films
CANNES -- Queen Film, the Indonesian distribution company that is affiliated with new exhibition group Blitz Megaplex, has pre-emptively bought rights to a slew of U.S. and international pictures with broad marketing elements, among them the Bruce Willis starrer "Grimm." Other deals include:
* Hyde Park Intl.'s "Streetfighter," and James Ivory's "City of Your Final Destination, starring Anthony Hopkins;
* Odd Lot's upcoming Frank Miller pic "The Spirit";
* Focus Features' upcoming Fernando Meirelles-helmed thriller "Blindness" with Daniel Craig and Julianne Moore;
* Summit Entertainment's Mike Newell-helmed "Love in the Time of Cholera," with Javier Bardem, and "The Fall";
* Omega Entertainment's illusionist pic "Mandrake" and Deepa Mehta film "Luna";
* EuropaCorp's English language thriller "Taken";
* Mandarin Films' Tsui Hark romantic actioner "Missing";
* Pathe Pictures Intl.’s horror-comedy "The Cottage," and French-language Cannes competition film "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
* Hyde Park Intl.'s "Streetfighter," and James Ivory's "City of Your Final Destination, starring Anthony Hopkins;
* Odd Lot's upcoming Frank Miller pic "The Spirit";
* Focus Features' upcoming Fernando Meirelles-helmed thriller "Blindness" with Daniel Craig and Julianne Moore;
* Summit Entertainment's Mike Newell-helmed "Love in the Time of Cholera," with Javier Bardem, and "The Fall";
* Omega Entertainment's illusionist pic "Mandrake" and Deepa Mehta film "Luna";
* EuropaCorp's English language thriller "Taken";
* Mandarin Films' Tsui Hark romantic actioner "Missing";
* Pathe Pictures Intl.’s horror-comedy "The Cottage," and French-language Cannes competition film "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Easternlight scores well with "Three Kingdoms"
CANNES -- The combination of Andy Lau and “Mission: Impossible 3” starlet Maggie Q is a hot ticket for sales agent Arclight.
Company’s Asian label Easternlight closed deals on the $20 million historic actioner “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon” with Imagem for Brazil, Spentzos for Greece, PT Amero for Indonesia, Grand Brilliance for Indonesia and Vietnam, Castello Lopes for Portugal, Aqua Pinema for Turkey and Sundream Motion Pictures for Hong Kong.
Pic, lensed by Daniel Lee, and co-starring Sammo Hung, Charlie Yeung and Yu Rongguang and Andy Oh, will also get outings in China through PolyBona and in Korea through producers Taewon Entertainment.
Company’s Asian label Easternlight closed deals on the $20 million historic actioner “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon” with Imagem for Brazil, Spentzos for Greece, PT Amero for Indonesia, Grand Brilliance for Indonesia and Vietnam, Castello Lopes for Portugal, Aqua Pinema for Turkey and Sundream Motion Pictures for Hong Kong.
Pic, lensed by Daniel Lee, and co-starring Sammo Hung, Charlie Yeung and Yu Rongguang and Andy Oh, will also get outings in China through PolyBona and in Korea through producers Taewon Entertainment.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Indonesian filmmakers rebel against festival, censors
JAKARTA -- More than 100 movie bizzers, including top helmers, thesps, producers, writers and technicians, Wednesday handed back awards as part of a protest aimed at several of the country's movie institutions.
They called for the government to abolish the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), the Film Censorship Institute, the Consultative Board for National Film Development and Film Law No. 8/1992, which they say no longer conform to the spirit of modern film-making.
They also seek the annulment of the best film award and other 'Citra' prizes given to "Ekskul," a campy comedy drama, at last month's FFI. "Ekskul" was panned by critics, slumped at the box office and, the group allege, infringed other composers' music rights.
Multi-hyphenates Nia Dinata and Mira Lesmana, actor Nicolas Saputra, actress Dian Sastro, helmers Rudi Soerdjarwo and Riri Riza were among members of the Indonesian Film Society, (Masyarakat Film Indonesia), who handed back to the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik 22 Citra awards won at previous IFFs. Next week they plan to return another 13 Citras, bringing the total to 35.
"Ekskul, which won the Citra trophy for best film, (illegally) used the score of a certain film and this constitutes a copyright infringement ... and indicates the poor management of FFI and lack of competence on the part of the festival organizers," Upi Avianto, the director of "Realitas, Cinta dan Rock 'N Roll" (Reality, Love and Rock 'N Roll) said, in a statement from the group.
Although it is country's foreign-language Oscar hopeful, Dinata's "Love for Share" ("Berbagi Suami") was not even nominated for best film Citra at the recently concluded 2006 IFF. Apparently one of the FFI judges took the movie's anti-polygamy message as a personal insult.
Indonesia's other well-known fest, the Jakarta Film Fest (Jiffest), also felt the impact of censorship in December. A Dutch documentary "Promised Paradise," was banned by the censor as it showed images of one of the Bali bombers. Three films that Jiffest tried to present in 2005 were also disqualified.
Jiffest programming chief Orlow Seunke has since resigned, blaming a lack of government support.
They called for the government to abolish the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), the Film Censorship Institute, the Consultative Board for National Film Development and Film Law No. 8/1992, which they say no longer conform to the spirit of modern film-making.
They also seek the annulment of the best film award and other 'Citra' prizes given to "Ekskul," a campy comedy drama, at last month's FFI. "Ekskul" was panned by critics, slumped at the box office and, the group allege, infringed other composers' music rights.
Multi-hyphenates Nia Dinata and Mira Lesmana, actor Nicolas Saputra, actress Dian Sastro, helmers Rudi Soerdjarwo and Riri Riza were among members of the Indonesian Film Society, (Masyarakat Film Indonesia), who handed back to the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik 22 Citra awards won at previous IFFs. Next week they plan to return another 13 Citras, bringing the total to 35.
"Ekskul, which won the Citra trophy for best film, (illegally) used the score of a certain film and this constitutes a copyright infringement ... and indicates the poor management of FFI and lack of competence on the part of the festival organizers," Upi Avianto, the director of "Realitas, Cinta dan Rock 'N Roll" (Reality, Love and Rock 'N Roll) said, in a statement from the group.
Although it is country's foreign-language Oscar hopeful, Dinata's "Love for Share" ("Berbagi Suami") was not even nominated for best film Citra at the recently concluded 2006 IFF. Apparently one of the FFI judges took the movie's anti-polygamy message as a personal insult.
Indonesia's other well-known fest, the Jakarta Film Fest (Jiffest), also felt the impact of censorship in December. A Dutch documentary "Promised Paradise," was banned by the censor as it showed images of one of the Bali bombers. Three films that Jiffest tried to present in 2005 were also disqualified.
Jiffest programming chief Orlow Seunke has since resigned, blaming a lack of government support.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
History, Crime channels air in Asia
The History Channel and a Crime and Investigation channel are coming to Asia.
A deal unveiled on the Croisette late Monday involves A&E Television Networks and Astro All Asia Networks, which will jointly launch and operate these branded niches across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Headquartered in Singapore, AETN All Asia Networks will also have operations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The venture is set to launch History and Crime & Investigation in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, The Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei in the second and third quarters of this year . The channels will launch in Taiwan by the end of the year. The History Channel and Crime & Investigation Network will be fully language-versioned in Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Chinese.
AETN All Asia Networks also plans to launch the Biography Channel in the region, and to deploy the brands via VOD, mobile, broadband and HD.
AETN senior VP Sean Cohan said at the Mip TV market the region has "a deep commitment to education and a great tradition of story-telling," adding that he believed the channels would have tremendous appeal to viewers throughout the region.
Program schedules for both History and Crime & Investigation will feature local acquisitions and local productions.
The 12-year-old History Channel is available in some 130 countries; Crime & Investigation will feature series like "First 48," "SWAT" and "Cold Case Files."
AETN is a joint venture of the Hearst Corp., ABC and NBC.
A deal unveiled on the Croisette late Monday involves A&E Television Networks and Astro All Asia Networks, which will jointly launch and operate these branded niches across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Headquartered in Singapore, AETN All Asia Networks will also have operations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The venture is set to launch History and Crime & Investigation in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, The Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei in the second and third quarters of this year . The channels will launch in Taiwan by the end of the year. The History Channel and Crime & Investigation Network will be fully language-versioned in Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Chinese.
AETN All Asia Networks also plans to launch the Biography Channel in the region, and to deploy the brands via VOD, mobile, broadband and HD.
AETN senior VP Sean Cohan said at the Mip TV market the region has "a deep commitment to education and a great tradition of story-telling," adding that he believed the channels would have tremendous appeal to viewers throughout the region.
Program schedules for both History and Crime & Investigation will feature local acquisitions and local productions.
The 12-year-old History Channel is available in some 130 countries; Crime & Investigation will feature series like "First 48," "SWAT" and "Cold Case Files."
AETN is a joint venture of the Hearst Corp., ABC and NBC.
"Three Days to Forever"
Hong Kong Film Fest
Three Days to Forever
3 hari untuk selamanya (Indonesia)
A Sinemart Pictures, Miles Films presentation of a Miles Films production, in association with Gothenburg Film Festival, the Global Film Initiative. (International sales: Miles Films, Jakarta.) Produced by Mira Lesmana. Executive producers, Leo Sutanto, Elly Yanti Noor, Toto Prasetyanto. Directed by Riri Riza. Screenplay, Sinar Ayu Massie.
With: Nicholas Saputra, Adinia Wirasti.
(Indonesian, Sundanese, English dialogue)
Two Indonesian cousins take a road trip to a family wedding in the warmhearted coming-of-ager "Three Days to Forever." Pic does its fair share of taboo-breaking (drugs, sexual references) but at heart is a feel-good teen movie recalling the '80s work of John Hughes. Though mild by Western standards, protags' rebellious attitude toward the confines of Islamic culture has already created local censorship problems prior to release. But young distaff auds should embrace the pic across Southeast Asia, thanks to heartthrob Nicholas Saputra's presence, with some additional fest slots likely.
Handsome Suf (Saputra) is entrusted with driving an antique cutlery set from Jakarta to a rural family wedding to be used in a traditional meal. The bride's sister, Ambar (Adinia Wirasti), is a party girl whose favorite pastimes are boys and drugs, though not necessarily in that order. While the rest of the family fly out to the wedding, Ambar is too hung over from the previous evening and joins Suf as a traveling companion.
On the road, the urban pair experience the rich tapestry of modern-day Indonesia: the exoticism and eroticism of traditional culture, rural sensibilities, generosity, conservatism, resort lifestyles and Islamic hypocrisy. Pic holds up Indonesia like a jewel to the light, examining it for its beauty and flaws, and its mostly nonjudgmental eye recalls the less paranoid moments of "Easy Rider" and its snapshots of '60s America.
Ambar's dilemma about whether to study abroad is supposed to create narrative tension, but the yarn's episodic structure precludes any real sense of urgency. During their three-day journey, protags smoke marijuana and chat freely about sex. Despite this, and Ambar's spoilt-child demeanor, both characters are admirable, positive role models on a rites-of-passage journey.
Sinar Ayu Massie's script is full of smart observations about contempo Indonesia, and Riri Riza's direction is breezy and efficient. Saputra builds on the charming persona he established in "Joni's Promise" a couple years ago; in turn, Wirasti ("About Her") presents a recognizable figure of distracted young womanhood.
Pic is augmented by a catchy Indonesian pop soundtrack, and all tech credits are decidedly pro.
Camera (color), Yadi Sugandi; editor, Sastha Sunu; music, Float; art director, Eros Eflin; sound (Dolby Digital), Satrio Budiono, Handy Ilfat; associate producers, Julia Fraser, Julie Lebrocquy. Reviewed at Hong Kong Film Festival (Global Vision), March 25, 2007. (Also in Hong Kong FilMart.) Running time: 102 MIN.
Three Days to Forever
3 hari untuk selamanya (Indonesia)
A Sinemart Pictures, Miles Films presentation of a Miles Films production, in association with Gothenburg Film Festival, the Global Film Initiative. (International sales: Miles Films, Jakarta.) Produced by Mira Lesmana. Executive producers, Leo Sutanto, Elly Yanti Noor, Toto Prasetyanto. Directed by Riri Riza. Screenplay, Sinar Ayu Massie.
With: Nicholas Saputra, Adinia Wirasti.
(Indonesian, Sundanese, English dialogue)
Two Indonesian cousins take a road trip to a family wedding in the warmhearted coming-of-ager "Three Days to Forever." Pic does its fair share of taboo-breaking (drugs, sexual references) but at heart is a feel-good teen movie recalling the '80s work of John Hughes. Though mild by Western standards, protags' rebellious attitude toward the confines of Islamic culture has already created local censorship problems prior to release. But young distaff auds should embrace the pic across Southeast Asia, thanks to heartthrob Nicholas Saputra's presence, with some additional fest slots likely.
Handsome Suf (Saputra) is entrusted with driving an antique cutlery set from Jakarta to a rural family wedding to be used in a traditional meal. The bride's sister, Ambar (Adinia Wirasti), is a party girl whose favorite pastimes are boys and drugs, though not necessarily in that order. While the rest of the family fly out to the wedding, Ambar is too hung over from the previous evening and joins Suf as a traveling companion.
On the road, the urban pair experience the rich tapestry of modern-day Indonesia: the exoticism and eroticism of traditional culture, rural sensibilities, generosity, conservatism, resort lifestyles and Islamic hypocrisy. Pic holds up Indonesia like a jewel to the light, examining it for its beauty and flaws, and its mostly nonjudgmental eye recalls the less paranoid moments of "Easy Rider" and its snapshots of '60s America.
Ambar's dilemma about whether to study abroad is supposed to create narrative tension, but the yarn's episodic structure precludes any real sense of urgency. During their three-day journey, protags smoke marijuana and chat freely about sex. Despite this, and Ambar's spoilt-child demeanor, both characters are admirable, positive role models on a rites-of-passage journey.
Sinar Ayu Massie's script is full of smart observations about contempo Indonesia, and Riri Riza's direction is breezy and efficient. Saputra builds on the charming persona he established in "Joni's Promise" a couple years ago; in turn, Wirasti ("About Her") presents a recognizable figure of distracted young womanhood.
Pic is augmented by a catchy Indonesian pop soundtrack, and all tech credits are decidedly pro.
Camera (color), Yadi Sugandi; editor, Sastha Sunu; music, Float; art director, Eros Eflin; sound (Dolby Digital), Satrio Budiono, Handy Ilfat; associate producers, Julia Fraser, Julie Lebrocquy. Reviewed at Hong Kong Film Festival (Global Vision), March 25, 2007. (Also in Hong Kong FilMart.) Running time: 102 MIN.
Monday, January 22, 2007
"Ganja Queen"
Documentary (Indonesia)
An HBO presentation of an Ikandy Films production. Produced by Janine Hosking, Robin Eastwood. Executive producer (for HBO), Sheila Nevins. Directed, written by Janine Hosking.
Guaranteed to torpedo Balinese tourism and send shivers up the spines of air travelers everywhere, "Ganja Queen" tells the harrowing story of Australian vacationer Schapelle Corby, who in 2004 was discovered with 10 pounds of pot in her luggage after she touched down in Indonesia -- where drug smuggling is punishable by death. Did she do it? Or was she the victim of ganja-running baggage handlers? Given the questions and tensions created by helmer Janine Hosking and the general anxieties about air travel, "Ganja Queen" should have a healthy life on cable, pot-tolerant college campuses and perhaps even in limited arthouse release.
Hosking maintains a sense of critical immediacy, cross-cutting electrically between televised news reports and interviews with Corby's friends and family -- almost all of whom prove to be liabilities, at least in terms of the case.
Indonesian authorities maintain that the genius of Corby's smuggling operation was in its apparent idiocy -- an enormous amount of marijuana, unhidden, and packed in transparent plastic. What could that mean, except that the defendant was cunning enough to have known that, if found out, the plan would look too inept to be real?
It's certainly a prosecutorial stretch, because what Hosking gives us is a group of Australians incapable of finding their way to the beach, much less being capable of running drugs.
Still, there's always a lingering doubt Corby's innocence. Is she really the world best actress and -- as the partisan Balinese press dubs her -- the "Ganja Queen"?
Corby is a likable presence, pretty, simple and bewildered by her life-or-death situation. Her family and friends are a collection of car wrecks whose personal histories are used to malign Corby back in Bali.
Her biggest champion, a hustling Australian business man named Ron Bakir, almost single-handedly destroys Corby's chances for freedom by slandering the entire Balinese court system. What "Ganja Queen" illustrates, obliquely, is the magnet that a celebrated court case can become for the attention-seeking eccentrics of the world.
Despite the suspense Hosking maintains, "Ganja Queen" does seem a bit prolonged, although one never really sees where the Corby story is going or where it will end up. And it's certainly a cautionary tale: You likely won't be reading about Schapelle Corby in Travel & Leisure anytime soon, but her tale should be required viewing for anyone looking for a vacation spot this year.
Camera (color, DV), Ian Pugsley; editors, Hosking, Stephen Hopes; music, Matt Walker. Reviewed on DVD, Los Angeles, Jan. 17, 2007. (In Slamdance Film Festival.) Running time: 121 MIN.
An HBO presentation of an Ikandy Films production. Produced by Janine Hosking, Robin Eastwood. Executive producer (for HBO), Sheila Nevins. Directed, written by Janine Hosking.
Guaranteed to torpedo Balinese tourism and send shivers up the spines of air travelers everywhere, "Ganja Queen" tells the harrowing story of Australian vacationer Schapelle Corby, who in 2004 was discovered with 10 pounds of pot in her luggage after she touched down in Indonesia -- where drug smuggling is punishable by death. Did she do it? Or was she the victim of ganja-running baggage handlers? Given the questions and tensions created by helmer Janine Hosking and the general anxieties about air travel, "Ganja Queen" should have a healthy life on cable, pot-tolerant college campuses and perhaps even in limited arthouse release.
Hosking maintains a sense of critical immediacy, cross-cutting electrically between televised news reports and interviews with Corby's friends and family -- almost all of whom prove to be liabilities, at least in terms of the case.
Indonesian authorities maintain that the genius of Corby's smuggling operation was in its apparent idiocy -- an enormous amount of marijuana, unhidden, and packed in transparent plastic. What could that mean, except that the defendant was cunning enough to have known that, if found out, the plan would look too inept to be real?
It's certainly a prosecutorial stretch, because what Hosking gives us is a group of Australians incapable of finding their way to the beach, much less being capable of running drugs.
Still, there's always a lingering doubt Corby's innocence. Is she really the world best actress and -- as the partisan Balinese press dubs her -- the "Ganja Queen"?
Corby is a likable presence, pretty, simple and bewildered by her life-or-death situation. Her family and friends are a collection of car wrecks whose personal histories are used to malign Corby back in Bali.
Her biggest champion, a hustling Australian business man named Ron Bakir, almost single-handedly destroys Corby's chances for freedom by slandering the entire Balinese court system. What "Ganja Queen" illustrates, obliquely, is the magnet that a celebrated court case can become for the attention-seeking eccentrics of the world.
Despite the suspense Hosking maintains, "Ganja Queen" does seem a bit prolonged, although one never really sees where the Corby story is going or where it will end up. And it's certainly a cautionary tale: You likely won't be reading about Schapelle Corby in Travel & Leisure anytime soon, but her tale should be required viewing for anyone looking for a vacation spot this year.
Camera (color, DV), Ian Pugsley; editors, Hosking, Stephen Hopes; music, Matt Walker. Reviewed on DVD, Los Angeles, Jan. 17, 2007. (In Slamdance Film Festival.) Running time: 121 MIN.
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