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COVID-19: Film production in Indonesia postponed amid pandemic
Film shoots, which tend to attract residents and passersby, have been postponed to avoid exacerbating the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Indonesian Motion Picture Producers Association (PPFI) has urged all film producers to halt production to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. (Shutterstock/ Fer Gregory)
T
he Indonesian Motion Picture Producers Association (PPFI) has appealed to all film producers to halt production to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As an effort to prevent the virus outbreak, we suggest all film companies, especially PPFI members, halt all production temporarily and follow the Indonesian government’s policies in the battle against the spread of the coronavirus,” read a letter signed on Tuesday by PPFI head Deddy Mizwar and PPFI general secretary Zairin Zain, as quoted by kompas.com.
In recent days, several filmmakers announced that they had stopped production.
Director Fajar Nugros said on his Twitter account that he had suspended shooting for his upcoming movie, Yowis Ben 3.
Hari ini saya bersama Produser memutuskan syuting Yowis Ben 3 dihentikan.. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/plfJjxNgPa
— Fajar Nugros (@fajarnugros) March 16, 2020
Fajar said that the film shoots, which took place in several towns across Java, such as Surakarta, Kediri, Surabaya and Banyuwangi, had drawn the attention of nearby residents. They would gather at the shooting site and watch as the shooting took place. At a time like this, he said, such large gatherings could spread the highly contagious virus.
“When the circumstances are better, Insha Allah [God Willing], Yowis Ben 3 will continue shooting. Bismillah [In the name of God],” Fajar wrote.
Read also: COVID-19: XXI, CGV cinemas to close theaters for two weeks
Another upcoming film, Backstage, starring sisters Sissy Priscillia and Vanesha Prescilla, has also halted its production.
The film's producer announced the decision on March 17 on Instagram.
“Backstage is a very personal film for us that we're making with all our hearts. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not possible for us to keep shooting. The government has suggested physical distancing. Our health and safety is more important than any film. We've decided to postpone shooting and will come back when the situation gets better,” read the post.
On Twitter, director Upi urged the suspension of all film production.
Bubarin kalo di daerah tempat tinggal kalian masih ada yang dipergunakan untuk shooting! Tegur langsung atau minta petugas keamanan, atau Pak RT untuk bubarin! Keselamatan warga, keselamatan kalian, dan keluarga kalian yang utama! pic.twitter.com/NnLprdPiVg
— upi (@upirocks) March 25, 2020
“Disperse any shooting activity if you find any near your homes! Tell them directly or ask for help from security or the community head! The most important thing is public safety, your safety and your families' safety!” she wrote. (gis/wng)
