Held During A Pandemic, FFI 2021 Brings New Film And Media History Themes Sejarah

Reza Rahadian (FFI 2021)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Film Festival will be held again this year and will be the second year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The History of Film and New Media was chosen as the main theme of the festival. This theme indicates that the history of cinema is a valuable lesson for the entire ecosystem as well as the many emerging new media.

Through a virtual press conference on Thursday, July 15, Reza Rahadian as the Chair of the Committee announced November 10, 2021, as the date for the FFI 2021 peak event.

"It will be the 41st FFI since it was held in 1955. We chose that date because it coincided with Heroes' Day," said Reza Rahadian.

The same moment was also deemed appropriate to propose Usmar Ismail, an Indonesian film figure as a national hero.

As Chairman of the FFI Committee, Reza is determined to provide developments for the highest film awards in Indonesia. "(Being Chairman of the Committee) is how I give back to the film industry who played a big part in my life."

There are four new categories added by the FFI Committee, namely Favorite Film, Favorite Actor, Favorite Actress, and Film Critic. For this favorite category, the committee will involve the support of the Indonesian people in giving choices.

Director Garin Nugroho as the Head of the Jury Division continues to develop the jury system and reads input from various parties. They will do an online selection and then show it in theaters.

The film registration process starts from July 15 to August 30, 2021 through the website www.festivalfilm.id. Selection and judging will continue from August 30 to October 10, 2021.

At this year's event, Indonesians can vote through the official FFI website for the favorite category.

Held for the second time in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became a challenge for the FFI Committee. But they still prioritize health protocols and obey government rules.

Later, the event will be held directly with the same concept as in 2020. "Last year, the process, testing and tracing were also carried out and the agenda was still the same unless there were new situations or regulations from the government," said Reza.