Film from Makassar to Compete in Berlin Film Festival

Makassar, S. Sulawesi (Antara) - An Indonesian film entitled "Sepatu Baru" ("New Shoes"), produced by Makassar filmmaker will compete with 16 other films from 15 countries, in the short film category, for the Crystal Bears Award, at Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). "The film, 'Sepatu Baru' is a 14 minute film, and it was my final exam entry at the Makassar Art Institute (IKM). The film's participation (in Berlinale) is a valuable opportunity for the Makassar film Institute, to be appreciated by the public," stated the director, Aditya Ahmad, through a press release here on Friday. Aditya explained that "Sepatu Baru" is about a girl who lives in a slum area. The girl is upset that because of the incessant rains, she is not able to wear her new shoes. In order to fulfill her desire, she thinks of a way to stop the rain. He pointed out that his participation in the film festival is the most precious moment of his life. He hopes that his participation in the Berlinale will motivate other young film makers in Makassar and Indonesia. Berlin International Film Festival or Berlinale, is the world's most prestigious film festival that is being held since 1950 in February each year. Berlinale will be covered by about 3.7 thousand media professionals and will be attended by 20 thousand film workers from 124 countries. The 64th Berlinale will be held from February 6 to February 16, 2014. Aditya will attend the festival with her actress Isfira Sri Febiana and "Sepatu Baru" supervisor Shinta Febriany. Last December, "Sepatu Baru" also competed in the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival, winning a special jury award, Special Mention Award. Aditya Ahmad graduated from Film and Television Department of Makassar Art Institute (IKM). IKM has played an important role in filmmaking in Makassar. The other alumnus of IKM are Andreuw Parinussa who has awarded the First Prize at the 2013 ICSA in Osaka, Japan for his film "Adoption" and Andi Burhamzah who passed the XXI Short Film Festival and GanFest selections with his film "Cita". (*)