The Education and Culture Ministry’s culture director general, Hilmar Farid, said during the FFI’s launch in Central Jakarta on Monday, that, in the past, the FFI committee and its system went through changes every year. However, the new term allows it to be developed as an institution.

Meanwhile, FFI committee head Lukman Sardi said it was not limited to the award ceremony, which is known as Piala Citra (Citra Award). Prior to and after the ceremony, the committee will host other events, such as master classes, workshops and film screenings.

The activities are aimed to improve the quality of local films. Since the FFI realized the importance of collaboration, some of the programs would also be synergized with the ministry’s activities.

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Lukman said the committee also planned to involve film critics.

The actor added that it would educate people about film critics, allowing filmmakers to get constructive feedbacks.

In addition to the award ceremony, the FFI is also set to host an appreciation night on Nov. 6. The event is aimed to give appreciation for those who have worked to improve the quality of Indonesian films.

With regards to Piala Citra, it is said to feature 23 categories. This year, the committee will pick the films. To be nominated, submitted films must have been released in a cinema at any time between Oct. 1 last year and Sept 30 this year.

Lukman said they would only pick films with censorship certificates. “If the films have been screened [in a cinema], they automatically have a censorship certificate.” (wng)