FFI plays important role in Indonesian film development: official: Hilmar Farid

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) plays an important role in Indonesian film development and showcasing the potential of filmmakers, director general of cultural affairs at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has said.

Hilmar Farid lauded the 69 feature films submitted to the FFI committee saying they are proof that Indonesian filmmakers have continued to be productive despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The number even does not include non-feature films with the equal quantity that was submitted to the committee. This proves that Indonesian filmmakers are resilient as their production was not brought to a halt amidst the pandemic and they remain confident with their works," he said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The director general opined that Indonesian filmmakers have recognized the importance of FFI after a tireless effort by the FFI committee to enhance the event's prestige and branding.

"Filmmakers' recognition of the FFI would not have been possible without the tireless effort made by the FFI committee to enhance the event's prestige; their public relations and communication are also highly effective," he said.

Farid reiterated the ministry's commitment to reinvigorate the Indonesian film industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We will continue to work together as I believe despite this arduous time, we will rise again for the glory of Indonesia's film industry in the future," he remarked.

The Indonesian Film Festival's Citra Awards have been scheduled for November 10, 2021. The event coincides with Heroes Day, as the organizing committee is striving to gather public support for the conferment of National Hero of Indonesia status for the pioneer of Indonesian cinema, Usmar Ismail, he informed.