Indonesia’s debut government-funded film grant, Film Matchfund, has selected four projects to receive financial support. This $13M annual fund, which was announced at the Cannes Film Festival, aims to draw from the country’s Cultural Endowment Fund in order to boost the local film industry.
The four projects chosen for the grant include a diverse range of genres and themes. These projects are director Mouly Surya’s This City is a Battlefield, director Tumpal Tampubolon’s Crocodile Tears, director Garin Nugroho’s Samsara, and director Loeloe Hendra’s Tale of The Land. These projects have also received international support from other grants, such as the Hubert-Bals Fund, CNC Cinema du Monde, World Cinema Fund, and Sørfond.
Hilmar Farid, Indonesia’s director-general of Culture, expressed hopes that Film Matchfund would not only support local filmmakers in bringing their creative ideas to life but also help in expanding international networks. The goal is to increase the capacity of Indonesian filmmakers to work to world standards and produce films that showcase Indonesia’s diversity to a global audience.
The Indonesian film category under the funding scheme supports co-production between local and foreign filmmakers. The funds can be used to cover various costs related to story development, research, production, post-production, promotion, and distribution incentives. This opens up new avenues for collaboration and exchange of expertise between Indonesian and international filmmakers.
Alex Sihar, Special Staff to the Director-General of Culture, noted that many foreign parties have shown interest in collaborating with Indonesian producers through the matching fund scheme. By leveraging international support and expertise, Indonesian filmmakers can enhance the quality and reach of their projects. The selected pilot projects will kickstart this process by securing matching funds for the international funding they have already received.
Indonesia’s Film Matchfund is seen as a significant step towards elevating the local film industry onto the global stage. By providing financial support, encouraging collaboration, and fostering international connections, the grant is expected to empower Indonesian filmmakers to create impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.