Indonesian Film Agency Highlights Exclusive Access to Film Production

The Indonesian Film Agency (BPI) is drawing attention to the exclusive nature of film production access in the country. This exclusivity means that only established production houses can currently create films, preventing smaller companies and emerging talent from producing work that matches the quality seen on the big screen.

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They end up having to go it alone, trying to find their own opportunities, and with all that uncertainty, their spirit can eventually be eroded.

Tesadesrada Ryza, who heads BPI's Financing Facilitation division, identified access to film financing as the primary challenge facing filmmakers today. She frequently encounters talented individuals with compelling ideas who lack the financial means to bring their stories to life. "They end up having to go it alone, trying to find their own opportunities, and with all that uncertainty, their spirit can eventually be eroded," Ryza said.

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When filmmakers meet investors, they are asked about the return on investment, which is confusing. That's why government programs that can educate both filmmakers and investors are important.

Ryza explained that when filmmakers present unique and interesting stories, they often clash with investors' business-minded expectations. "When filmmakers meet investors, they are asked about the return on investment, which is confusing. That's why government programs that can educate both filmmakers and investors are important," she stated. Ryza believes that a healthy film ecosystem, encompassing various aspects, can foster business potential and attract investors. "Ultimately, people won't hesitate to invest, even to the point of opening cinemas in regional areas. Investors can make projections, and that's the current problem; it's difficult to measure when people are willing to invest," she added.

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Ultimately, people won't hesitate to invest, even to the point of opening cinemas in regional areas. Investors can make projections, and that's the current problem; it's difficult to measure when people are willing to invest.

Meanwhile, BPI Chairman Fauzan Zidni commented on the business aspect of cinemas. He suggested that government support could take the form of incentives, such as tax discounts or reduced administrative fees for building cinemas in underserved regions. "But it's also important to differentiate between building alternative cultural viewing spaces and commercial cinemas," he noted. Zidni believes that independent cinemas could fill the gap in viewing access, particularly in regency-level areas, as the major chains like XXI, CGV, and Cinepolis typically operate in malls. "I think policies should be in place to support the development of these cinemas. If the state wants to participate, it should do so through incentives," Fauzan concluded.

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But it's also important to differentiate between building alternative cultural viewing spaces and commercial cinemas.