The Ministry Of Tourism And Creative Economy Creates A Masterclass For Screenwriters, Departing From The Crisis Of Story Writers

Footage of the film Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts directed by Mouly Surya (Source: IMDB)

JAKARTA - Director of the Creative Industry for Film, Animation and Television of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) Syaifullah said that the Indonesian film industry still lacks screenwriters.

"We lack writers, not story ideas," said Syaifullah when contacted by Antara on Saturday, May 5.

Syaifullah said Indonesia consists of thousands of tribes whose stories can be adapted for film story ideas. However, one of the drawbacks is that there are very few writers who are able to develop the idea.

"We have a lot of urban legends, that's a potential story and we need writers, so we are traveling around Indonesia," said Syaifullah.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Indonesian Television Film Employees Association made a story development masterclass for film, OTT (over the top) and TV called Scene. The goal is to bring out new Indonesian talents in writing scenarios who can work in the creative industry.

"We are curating people who have writings, novels, short stories to participate, but not only for short stories but can be put into film scenarios," said Syaifullah.

Syaifullah said that after receiving guidance in writing scenarios, the participants of this scene could create scenarios that showed the characteristics of Indonesia. Not only about culture but also about the simplicity and everyday life of a typical society.

"We want stories that have a national character but have a commercial side like Laskar Pelangi, Yowis Ben, so we hope to have stories like that, strong in message but also with commercial value, there are unique elements," said Syaifullah.

The selected Scene participants will attend a two-week workshop to deepen their story. After that, participants will make presentations in front of production houses, television and also OTT platforms.

"We have mentors, last year there were Slamet Raharjo, Ninik L Karim, Rahabi Mandra, Titien Watimena, Fajar Nugros and others. After two weeks we took pictures in front of PH, TV, OTT," said Syaifullah.

"After they take part in the Scene masterclass, they can also be involved in the industry. Last year's participants were already involved in films, soap operas and OTT as writers," he added.