Ministry of Culture Jajaki Biopic Film Syekh Yusuf, Mizan Soroti Production Challenge

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Mizan Production to work on the Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari biopic. (IST)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture opened the opportunity for collaboration with Mizan Production to work on the Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari biopic film. The plan was discussed in a meeting between the Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon with the President Director of the Mizan Group Haidar Bagir at the Ministry of Culture Building, Jakarta, Monday, April 6.

This discussion is related to the momentum of 400 years of Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari, a scholar, thinker of tasawwuf, and anti-colonial fighter whose influence goes beyond Indonesia. Fadli Zon considers this year's commemoration to have strategic significance, not only for Indonesia, but also in global history. Indonesia. He also said that he had proposed the commemoration to UNESCO.

Fadli said the Ministry of Culture encouraged the co-production scheme or joint production in the making of the film. According to the Minister, the key lies in the strength of the scenario and its development.

"The Ministry of Culture has also just launched the Indonesia Raya Fund which can be used for matching funds. We have also just opened for development fees and post-production for films. Now there is also a competition for writing historical film scripts, as well as plans for the affirmation of five historical films," said Fadli Zon.

He added, the Ministry of Culture has also facilitated Indonesian filmmakers to attend a number of international film festivals such as Rotterdam, Udine, Sundance, Clermont-Ferrand, and Cannes.

On the other hand, Haidar Bagir said that the interest in raising the story of Sheikh Yusuf actually emerged a long time ago. According to him, this figure has a strong layer of story, ranging from the side of the clergy, the thought of tasawwuf, anti-colonial struggle, to the personal dimension.

"Mizan has experience in producing various national films, including the film Laskar Pelangi. However, I emphasize that the production of historical or biographical films has its own challenges, especially in terms of financing and the dynamics of a very competitive market," said Haidar.

During the meeting, the Mizan Production creative team also explained the narrative approach that combines history with contemporary stories so that the story of Sheikh Yusuf is closer to the younger generation. Academic research is also emphasized as the main foundation so that historical accuracy is maintained.

For the Ministry of Culture, the development of this historical figure film is directed at strengthening historical literacy, building the nation's character, as well as encouraging cultural diplomacy through the creative industry.