समाचार

Triawan Munaf, chairman of the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy (Bekraf) was on hand on Monday for the opening of the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale). His presence was intended as a sign that Indonesia, Asia’s sleeping giant as a film player, is rousing itself.

It was also an endorsement of the indie festival which, in its 12th year, is adding industry functions and seeking relevance far away from capital city, Jakarta.

Hosted in two Cinemaxx multiplexes in Denpasar and Kuta, the festival aims to reach different strands of Bali’s population, natives, long-term resident expatriates, and passing tourists.

A showcase of films by Roland Joffe is arguably the highlight of the event. The British director was a key figure at the BalinaleX industry conference on Sunday and is on hand through the week to present his multi-Oscar winning “The Killing Fields,” and Palme d’Or winner “The Mission.