Baliwood?

(10/12/2012)

Legendary Indonesian stage and screen actress Christine Hakim has declared her dream to see Bali develop into an Asian film center. Her ambitions on behalf of the island flow from the the goals of the BALINALE Film Festival that has taken place in Bali since 2007.

On the eve of the 6th BALINALE International Film Festival to be held in Bali October 19-28, 2012, Christine insists that Indonesia has many advantages that make the realization of her dream possible.

Quoted by the National News Agency Antara, Hakim said: “What’s lacking in this Country? We have it all. Natural locations, natural beauty, a wealth of nature, rich cultures, and talented human resources with the largest population after China and India.”

Hakim’s comments were made at a press conference for the BALINALE International Film Festival held in Jakarta on Friday, October 12, 2012.

The talented actress, who appeared in the Hollywood feature film Eat Pray Love together with Julia Roberts, wishes to see Bali become the gateway for foreigners and film companies wishing to explore other regions of Indonesia.

Saying that Hollywood is actively searching for alternative shooting locations that are both exotic and are relatively less expensive, Indonesia is well poised to exploit this opportunity.

Citing how, since the 1970s, Asia, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, become major shooting locations for Hollywood films, she points to the steps taken by those two countries to facilitate and encourage international film projects. In this regard, Christine Hakim hopes the Indonesian government will do more to support filmmaking, supported by the Ministry of Industry that for the first time is lending its support to the BALINALE.

[Bali Discovery Film Services]