JAKARTA: Indonesia and South Korea are currently exploring the possibility of cooperating in the film industry. “We are looking at the possibility of cooperating with South Korea on expanding animation, interactive games, music, arts demonstration and films,” said Indonesia's Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, as quoted by Antara news agency on Thursday. Mari Pengestu, who was on a three-day visit to South Korea earlier, had among other things visited the Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and had met with activists in the entertainment industry. The minister hoped KOCCA could set up its office in Indonesia, as additions to its existing offices in several other cities such as Los Angeles, London, Tokyo and Beijing. KOCCA was also requested to assist Indonesia in distributing the latter's creative contents in South Korea, guide the republic in efforts to expand its creative industry and to have exchanges in creative works with Indonesia. For many filmmakers in Indonesia, they fear the influx of Koreans into the country for filming could hurt the local market and the aspiring filmmakers attempting to make it in the country. “We struggle on a regular basis for funding and to get our films made, but if the government wants the big budgets, they should look here first before going for an already big market in Korea,” one filmmaker told Bikyamasr.com. But by enticing Korea to film in the country, the culture ministry believes it will help local artists hone their skills and learn from a country that has proven itself on the international stage.
