Amid the coronavirus pandemic, National Film Day was celebrated by filmmakers across the country on Monday.

The day is commemorated every March 30, as the date marked the start of filming for Indonesian film Darah dan Doa (Blood and Prayer). Directed by acclaimed director Usmar Ismail, it is often cited as the first Indonesian film.

The film industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with cinema chains Cinema XXI and CGV closing their theaters at least until mid-April, while production and theatrical releases have been suspended and postponed.

Fajar Nugros’ Yowis Ben 3 and Backstage, starring sisters Sissy Priscillia and Vanesha Prescilla, have halted production.

Rapi Films’ Bucin and Visinema Pictures’ Generasi 90an: Melankolia (90s Generation: Melancholia), have been postponed indefinitely from their original release dates of March 26 and April 9, respectively. One of the most anticipated movies of the year, The Science of Fictions by director Yosep Anggi Noen, has also postponed its release.

Amid the uncertainties, filmmakers and netizens took to social media to remind the public of National Film Day, including by sharing their favorite movies.

Read also: COVID-19: Silver screen goes dark as Cinema XXI closes indefinitely

Director Joko Anwar expressed thanks to all filmmakers and movie-goers. “Thank you to all filmmakers who always create movies with dedication, skill and heart. Thank you to the viewers who always celebrate Indonesian movies!”

Selamat Hari Film Nasional, teman-teman! Terima kasih untuk para pekerja film yang selalu bikin film dengan dedikasi, skill, dan hati. Terima kasih buat penonton yang selalu merayakan film dan pencapaian film Indonesia!

— Joko Anwar (@jokoanwar) March 30, 2020

Producer Mira Lesmana shared a touching post on Instagram. "The first day of Darah dan Doa shooting in 1950 was difficult as the revolution had just finished and Indonesia was slowly beginning to rebuild itself. Now, all of us including the film industry, are facing another difficult era. We at Miles Films have halted the production of our two films since the government urged us to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by utilizing technology, we can still continue pre-production online. Let's stay healthy, stay clean, keep the spirit up and stay productive though at a distance and at home. We hope to see you soon at the movies!" 

 

 

 

 

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Tahukah kamu bahwa 30 Maret 1950 adalah hari pertama shooting film Darah dan Doa karya sineas Usmar Ismail yang menjadi penanda Hari Film Nasional? Saat itu situasi sulit karena revolusi baru saja usai, Indonesia baru kembali membangun. Saat ini, kita semua, termasuk industri perfilman, kembali menghadapi masa sulit. Kami di Miles Films telah menunda dua produksi film kami sejak adanya himbauan pemerintah untuk bekerja dari rumah karena wabah Covid 19. Tentunya saat ini bersama-sama kita harus menghindari kerumunan dan menjaga jarak fisik. Namun, persiapan produksi tidak kami hentikan. Dengan memanfaatkan berbagai pencapaian teknologi, kami dapat terus melanjutkan persiapan produksi secara _online_ supaya saat krisis ini berlalu, kami bisa langsung kembali bekerja dan berkarya untuk perfilman Indonesia. Mari kita jaga kesehatan & kebersihan, tetap semangat, dan tetap produktif walaupun #Jaga Jarak dan #DiRumahAja demi keselamatan bangsa. Selamat Hari Film Nasional. Semoga kita segera bertemu lagi di bioskop!

A post shared by Mira Lesmana (@mirles) on Mar 30, 2020 at 12:57am PDT

“Happy National Film Day, Indonesia,” said director Nia Dinata on Twitter. “Here’s to filmmakers getting wiser in their actions and wilder and more courageous in their ideas. Let’s create with good vibes wherever you are.”

Selamat hari film nasional, Indonesia. Semoga para pembuat filmnya semakin bijak dan dewasa dalam bersikap walau tetap liar dan berani dalam melahirkan idenya. Berkarya dengan vibrasi kebaikan dimanapun berada🙏🏼 #HariFilmNasional

— Nia Dinata (@tehniadinata) March 30, 2020

On Instagram, director Garin Nugroho shared his views on how movies could be a source of inspiration. “Previously known as gambar hidoep (moving pictures), they will accompany and enliven our lives through various media, with inspiring images and points of view. Whether it’s fiction, about love, heroism, mankind, criticism, contemplation, human characters or those beyond our lives,” wrote Garin.  

 

 

 

 

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Selamat Hari film, dikenal awalnya sebagai Gambar Hidoep, ia akan menemanidan menghidupkan ruang hidup kita lewat beragam media dng aliran gambar yang membawa inspirasi dan cara melihat hiduo dlm beragam cara pandang , baik kenyataan , fiksi ataupun ekpresi pembuat film ,tentang cinta, kepahlawanan, kemanusiaan, gugatan, renungan ,karakter manusia hingga peristiwa tak tersentuh dlm hidup kita . Doa kebersamaan untuk mereka yang hidup dan menghidupi film #historiagarin @ifdc #demifilmindonesia #cinema #film #pusbangfilm

A post shared by Garin Nugroho Riyanto (@garin_film) on Mar 29, 2020 at 5:17pm PDT

Actress and producer Dian Sastrowardoyo expressed her greeting in a video posted on Instagram. Featuring the cast member of upcoming film Guru-Guru Gokil (Crazy Teachers), Dian can be heard urging the public to watch Indonesian films, as “…they are one of the keys to our triumph as a nation.”

 

 

 

 

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Halo semuanya..!!! Selamat hari Film Indonesia, tonton terus film Indonesia ya teman-teman.. 🙏🙏🙏

A post shared by Dian Sastrowardoyo (@therealdisastr) on Mar 30, 2020 at 2:00am PDT

Twitter user @hufflemione shared a recommendation of her favorite Indonesian movies, including Mouly Surya's award-winning Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts and Garin Nugroho’s Daun di Atas Bantal (Leaf on a Pillow).

Selamat Hari Film Nasional, maju terus perfilman Indonesia✨🎬

Untuk merayakan Hari Film Nasional aku mau rekomendasiin film-film Indonesia favoritku, yang mungkin akan menjadi favorit kalian juga. #HariFilmNasional pic.twitter.com/deHxRnYahZ

— Nafa (@hufflemione) March 30, 2020

Twitter user @melinamose also shared her picks, such as Riri Riza’s much-beloved Petualangan Sherina (Sherina’s Adventure) and Andibachtiar Yusuf’s Love For Sale. (wng)

Selamat hari film nasional! Dari 4 film ini sebenernya masih banyak film indonesia lain yang bagus-bagus, aku gabisa milih. Tapi ini yg jadi favoritku dan di tonton berulang. Petualangan Sherina sampe hafal dialog nya 😂😂 #HariFilmNasional pic.twitter.com/y8y7Yn4aD8

— Melina Mose (@melinamose) March 30, 2020