Bandung (ANTARA) - Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil encouraged the Indonesian film industry to continue to advance, so it could be an economic resource as well as a high-level cultural diplomacy instrument.

"Hopefully, we can catch up with South Korea in using films as an economic resource and high-level cultural diplomacy instrument," Kamil noted in his written statement, Friday.

One of the efforts of the West Java Government to support the national film industry is by holding the West Java Governor Cup Short Film Festival.

"As a film enthusiast, I am very happy with the industry. That is why I invited the Indonesian Film Artists Association (PARFI) to organize the Short Film Festival.

The governor views the event as a stage for national film artists to present and showcase their innovative works.

"Amazing, their works are spectacular. I am proud to find that our artists' creativity has now become so remarkable," the governor remarked.

"This is only the beginning. I am supporting it. Next year, God willing, everything will be even much better," Kamil noted.

The governor also lauded the national public television channel TVRI for hosting the event.

Kamil is a regional leader with a fondness for the film industry. Hence, he unswervingly continues his fight for the development of creative economy in the field of film industry. The Short Film Festival that he initiated is a testament to this passion.

Translator: Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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