The Jakarta Post – Over 100 short, feature and documentary films from 30 countries will reportedly be screened at the 2018 Bali International Film Festival, also known as Balinale, slated to be held from Sept. 24 to 30.
With a focus on the history of the Indonesian film industry, the Balinale will reportedly be opened with Hanung Bramantyo’s film Sultan Agung and closed with Shoplifters, which was helmed by Japanese director Hirozaku Kore-eda and recognized with the 2018 Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or.
According to tempo.co, the BalinaleX Industry Forum, to be held at Ayodya Resort Bali, Nusa Dua, on Sept. 23, will serve as the festival’s pre-event.
First held in 2017, the forum aims to gather the government, creative industry and commercial parties, allowing them to share knowledge and have discussions regarding challenges and commercial opportunities in local as well as international film industries.
“This year, BalinaleX will return with film industry experts, such as Hanung Bramantyo with his work on Indonesian hero Sultan Agung and Shalahuddin Siregar with his film Lima, which highlights the principal values of Pancasila. Indonesian actress Cinta Laura will also present to share her perspective on crossing to the international film arena,” said the festival’s founder, Deborah Gabinetti, on Tuesday as quoted by tempo.co.
Meanwhile, to explain the business aspects of the film industry, the forum will feature Ody Mulia Hidayat and Chand Parwes Servia from Indonesia, as well as Taiwanese producer and Taipei Film Festival director Jeane Huang and Broadway producer and Tony Award-winner Jhett Tolentino.
The BalinaleX will also bring Global Film Solutions CEO and former head of Film New Zealand, Julian Grimmond, to explore the role of Indonesia as an interesting film location for international productions.
Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy, Ahmad Yani from the Film Censorship Institute (LSF) and Maman Wijaya as the ministry’s head of film development center were also invited to discuss the current regulation in Indonesia.
“ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi will also [present] to discuss the impacts of film at the regional level,” added Gabinetti. (kes)