FFI 2020 Still Held During the Pandemic, What is the Fate of the Indonesian Film Industry?

Kapanlagi.com - The Piala Citra Awards night for the Festival Film Indonesia 2020 was held again despite the pandemic. The Director General of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Hilmar Farid, also explained the future of the film industry.

Hilmar feels that the public is no longer focused on cinemas due to the presence of video on demand or OTT platforms, and this is a step for the Indonesian film industry to keep running. Not only that, the problem of production delays and film screenings is not only experienced by Indonesia.

"I think that in concrete future plans, we are now not only focusing on cinemas, and these outlets are being sought after. Now there are discussions, documentary and short film friends for the same place," said Hilmar during a press conference for FFI at Plenary Hall, JCC, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (5/12).

1. Global Issues

Hilmar said that the pandemic is not a barrier for artists in the film industry to continue creating. According to him, there is currently no definite way to handle the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

"Will films return? I think this is not just Indonesia's problem, it's global. Whether we like it or not, we have to keep communicating with film friends and all stakeholders. I think there is no surefire way for this," he said.

2. Not a Reason to Stop

Meanwhile, Lukman Sardi, as the Chairman of the Indonesian Film Festival Committee for the past three years, also expressed the extraordinary performance of the committee team this time. For Lukman Sardi, the pandemic is not a reason for the film industry to stop.

The holding of the Indonesian Film Festival is a form of appreciation for artists who work amidst the pandemic. They continue to strive to give appreciation as in previous years.

"We know that this year's Indonesian Film Festival is entering an extraordinary period, we know it's during the pandemic. But that doesn't mean we give up, we continue to strive. This is a form of appreciation for Indonesian filmmakers, so that Indonesian films continue to be present in the Indonesian society," added Lukman Sardi.

3. Productive During Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought many impacts to society, should not be a barrier to productivity. The most important thing is to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols to avoid exposure to the coronavirus.

Start by diligently washing hands with soap, wearing masks whenever traveling, and avoiding crowds. Take care of your health and stay motivated, KLovers. #RememberMother'sMessage

(kpl/irf/lou)