Islamabad: The Indonesian Chargé d’ Affaires Rahmat Hindiarta has called Pakistani film makers to ‘Look East’ for exploring potentials of creative economy in Indonesia and ASEAN region. He expressed these remarks at ASEAN Movie Night event featuring the award-winning Indonesian film “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap” (Missing Home.red), directed by the Indonesian Producer Bene Dion Rajagukguk, which was organized by The Embassy of Indonesia, in collaboration with the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI).
The event was a delightful fusion of cinema and cuisine, celebrating the rich cultural ties and immense similarities between Indonesia and Pakistan. Elaborating the huge economic potential of Indonesian creative industry the diplomat said, “The film industry is the fastest-growing sub-sector of Indonesia’s creative economy.
He added that the number of moviegoers in Indonesia were more than 55 million in 2023 and in the same year, the local film industry in Indonesia set a new record with 20 films, attracting more than 1 million viewers each.
He apprised the distinguished guests from diplomatic and Pakistani community that the ASEAN Movie Night shows the spirit of continuously bolstering friendship among ASEAN family members. The diplomat said “I also wish to transfer the spirit of friendship among us to our sisters and brothers in Pakistan and beyond.”
The event also commenced by screening the video on ASEAN Summit 2023 held in the enchanting paradise of Labuan Bajo as one of Indonesian ten new Balis followed by the screening of Indonesian movie that provided a cinematic treat showcasing Indonesia’s perfect blend of humor, ideal parenting, local wisdom, mutual respect, and morality, cultural richness, and beauty of the natural landscape.
Released in 2022, “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap” is a comedy movie that tells the story of an elderly couple from the Batak tribal family in Toba Lake, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The movie is picturized in the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Toba—the largest volcanic lake in the world, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2020.
The audience also savoured a variety of Indonesian dishes, including bakso, chicken satay, onde-onde (glutinous rice balls dessert), and much more on the event.
