Capital residents enjoy ASEAN Movie Night

Pakistani filmmakers urged to explore creative economy potentials

ISLAMABAD:

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), organised an ASEAN Movie Night featuring the award-winning Indonesian film "Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap", directed by Indonesian Producer Bene Dion Rajagukguk.

A fusion of cinema and cuisine, the event celebrated the rich cultural ties and immense similarities between Indonesia and Pakistan.

In his welcoming remarks, Indonesia Chargé d’ Affaires, Rahmat Hindiarta apprised the guests from the diplomatic and Pakistani community that the event reflects the spirit of continuously bolstering friendship among ASEAN family members. “Moreover, I also wish to transfer the spirit of friendship among us to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan and beyond.”

Hindiarta also called Pakistani filmmakers to ‘look east’ to further explore creative economy potentials in Indonesia and ASEAN region. Elaborating on the huge economic potential of the Indonesian creative industry he said, “The film industry is currently the fastest-growing sub-sector of Indonesia's creative economy. The number of moviegoers in the country was over 55 million in 2023. In 2023, the local film industry in Indonesia set a new record with 20 movies, attracting over 1 million viewers each. In recent years, the film and entertainment industry in ASEAN countries, have experienced robust growth.”

The event started with the screening of the video on ASEAN Summit 2023 held in the enchanting paradise of Labuan Bajo as one of Indonesian 10 new Balis followed by the screening of the Indonesian movie that provided a cinematic treat showcasing Indonesia's perfect blend of humour, mutual respect, ideal parenting, local wisdom and morality, cultural richness, and beauty of the natural landscape.

Released in 2022, "Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap" is a comedy film that tells the story of an elderly couple from the Batak tribal family in Toba Lake, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Known for their rich customs and social structure, the Batak community places a strong emphasis on patriarchal hierarchy and respect for elders. The film portrays the couple's three sons who have left home to pursue their careers far away from their village. In a humorous twist, the parents pretend to divorce to compel their sons to return home. The movie is shot in the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Toba—the largest volcanic lake in the world, recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2020.

The audience also savoured a variety of mouth-watering Indonesian dishes, including bakso (meatball soup), chicken satay (sweet saucy BBQ), onde-onde (glutinous rice balls dessert), and much more on the movie night.