Minister of Culture asks that films about heroes are not dramatic, but must be strong in researching history.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon encourages films with a heroic theme to be worked on more seriously. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon encourages films with a heroic theme to be worked on more seriously. He assessed that historical films are not enough to be strong visually and dramatically, but must also be based on research, archives, and historical studies that can be accounted for.

This was conveyed by Fadli when leading a meeting with the Ministry of Culture, historians, and academics at the Ministry of Culture Office, Jakarta, Monday, July 6. The meeting discussed strengthening collaboration in the development of films with a heroic theme.

According to Fadli, films can be an effective gateway to introduce the history of the nation's struggle to the public, especially the younger generation. However, he reminded that the heroic film should not be worked on as it is.

"Film is an expression and a cultural product in which various other cultural expressions are present, ranging from acting, music, dance, photography, to fashion. Therefore, the film of heroism needs to be worked on very seriously," said Fadli.

Fadli said that films with a heroic theme have an important role in strengthening public understanding of Indonesian history. The medium of film, he said, can bring back the values of the nation's struggle in a way that is closer to the community.

However, this closeness must still be maintained with accuracy. He assessed the involvement of historians and academics was important so that historical films did not lose their foothold in facts.

"We want to ensure that films with historical themes are supported by strong studies through collaboration with historians and academics, so that they can provide a complete understanding of history to the public," said Fadli.

Fadli also emphasized the importance of using archives, literature, and various historical sources in the creative process. Research is the foundation so that the film remains based on facts, without shutting down the space for filmmakers' creativity.

In that way, historical films are expected not to fall into the category of merely heroic entertainment, but also to provide a correct understanding of events, figures, and the values of the struggle.

The meeting was attended by the Director General of Development, Utilization, and Cultural Development Ahmad Mahendra; Expert Staff to the Minister for Legal and Cultural Policy Masyitoh Annisa Ramadhani Alkatiri; Director of Film, Music, and Art Irini Dewi Wanti; and a number of historians and academics.

The Ministry of Culture stated that collaboration between the government, film professionals, historians, and academics needs to be strengthened so that heroic films can become a media for historical literacy that is interesting, accurate, and relevant for the public.