Documentary Film as a Gateway to Joint Indonesian-Tunisian Production

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Tunisia are exploring joint film production after the two countries developed a historical documentary through collaboration between the Tunisian Embassy, State Film Production (PFN), and TVRI. The cooperation will be expanded to exchanges of filmmakers, film music, and international festivals.

The plan was discussed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon together with the Tunisian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohamed Trabelsi and the Tunisian film delegation at the Ministry of Culture Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (29/7).

The documentary raises the journey of a Tunisian painter who was born and has a historical bond with Indonesia. The film also traces the relationship between the two countries, the spirit of the Asian-African Conference or the Bandung Spirit, as well as the richness of Indonesian and Tunisian cultures.

According to Fadli, the production of the documentary can be a gateway to a wider joint film project. The Ministry of Culture has a number of support schemes that can be explored, including permanent funds and matching funds.

"Culture is a bridge for diplomacy and is part of soft power. We hope that through culture, relations between Indonesian and Tunisian people will be stronger," said Fadli.

The collaboration is also directed at the involvement of musicians from both countries to strengthen the musical element in the film. In addition, Indonesia opens opportunities for Tunisian films and filmmakers to appear in national film forums, including the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival or JAFF.

Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Trabelsi called the documentary the first joint production of the two countries that raises the theme of history. The project is expected to pave the way for future film cooperation.

"This is the first time there has been a joint production that is historical between Indonesia and Tunisia. We hope this documentary will open more perspectives and understanding of both countries," said Trabelsi.

In addition to introducing the main characters in the story, the documentary will record the traces of historical relations and cultural exchanges between Indonesia and Tunisia. Both countries hope that the film can reach a wider audience than diplomacy through formal meetings.

This cooperation also opens opportunities for the exchange of artists, participation in film festivals, and the development of cross-country creative projects.