Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Indonesian Film Turmoil

The film industry in Indonesia is in the midst of several conflicts: one dealing with regulation and the other with the top award presented to a film during a recent festival. The two controversies seem to pit young filmmakers against the established film industry.
I’m the first to admit I don’t know much about Indonesian film, but from the outside it looks like young filmmakers are rallying against a federal law that involves a government censor. http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-southeastasia.asp?parentid=62370
The second controversy surrounds accusations of copyright infringement against the producers of Ekskul, a comedy-drama. http://www.ekskul.com/ Apparently the score of another film was lifted without consent and used in Ekskul.
http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=60337
In response, more than 20 directors, actors and film professionals returned their Citra Awards to the Indonesian Film Festival in protest.


Indonesia Flood Relief Effort

http://www.redcross.org/pressrelease/0,1077,0_314_6030,00.html

You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.