Current Landscape of Indonesian Cinema

The Indonesian film industry is experiencing a renaissance, characterized by a surge in local productions, international collaborations, and a thriving box office scene. However, challenges remain, particularly in overseas distribution and the lack of film incentives, as discussed by industry experts at a recent panel during Hong Kong’s Filmart.

Government Support and International Presence

Present at the panel was Indonesia’s Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, alongside a delegation from the Indonesian consulate in Hong Kong. This emphasis on cultural support underscores the government’s role in fostering the industry’s growth.

CJ ENM’s Engagement in the Industry

Justin Kim, head of international production at CJ ENM, has been pivotal in expanding the conglomerate’s presence in Indonesia since 2014. His journey began by recognizing and supporting promising films like Joko Anwar’s A Copy of My Mind, which received accolades at the Busan Asian Project Market.

Kim reflected on this early success, stating, “Getting into the major film festivals was quite a phenomenal thing for us.” This success encouraged CJ ENM to deepen its collaborative efforts within Indonesia, contributing to notable projects such as Sweet 20 and Satan’s Slaves.

Challenges in Theatrical Releases

Despite the vibrancy of the Indonesian film scene, Kim noted that finding suitable theatrical windows for releases remains a significant challenge, given the dense competition on the market calendar. He commented, “Because of the volume of films in Indonesia, it is difficult to find the right window for a theatrical release.”

The Role of Independent Producers

Lorna Tee, founder of Mylab, emphasized the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of independent producers in Indonesia. She argued that these producers are foundational to nurturing talent and promoting innovative risk-taking within the industry. Tee advocated for increased support for independent filmmakers, stating, “They do a lot of the work to cultivate and nurture new talents.”

Exhibition Sector Dynamics

Tee also highlighted a need for more screens in Indonesia, pointing out that the competitive exhibition sector can stifle diversity in film offerings. She explained that a more supportive environment for local films is necessary for achieving long-term growth: “What’s important is for a growth of a market is for the exhibition sector to allow for the diversity of films.”

Government Policies for Film Incentives

Edwin Nazir, producer and chairman of the Association of Indonesian Film Producers (APROFI), discussed the potential impact of government policy changes on the industry. He noted that the introduction of film tax rebates and streamlined permitting processes are vital for revitalizing international co-productions in Indonesia. Nazir stated, “This is something we’ve asked the authorities and the government has been trying to find the best scheme of funding to support international productions.”

Challenges in Global Distribution

Yulia Evina Bhara, a prolific producer and founder of Kawankawan Media, pointed out that global distribution remains a critical weakness in Indonesia’s film landscape. Through her involvement in co-productions, she hopes to bolster international visibility for Indonesian films, remarking, “I think co-productions allow us to at least have the opportunity to bring the film overseas.”