BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – Commemorating the 71st National Film Day which falls on March 30th, actor and Vice Dean III of Universitas Pasundan Faculty of Arts and Literature, Budi ‘Dalton’ Setiawan expressed his opinion on Indonesian cinema.
The actor, who has been involved in the art since 1996, said that Indonesians still cannot interpret fil as an education, but only as a means of entertainment. Educational films are still less popular, especially when they are compared to the themes of love and violence.
“It is our duty to be aware of the film, making it as an education for all of us, not as an entertainment only. Indonesians still love to watch those which have the theme of love and violence, so that it is hard for us to make educational film to be in a box office or best seller [like in a book],” he said at Unpas Campus IV, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi, Bandung, on Wednesday (March 31st, 2021)
Budi Dalton also regretted that the quality of the actor/ actress has not been given much attention, just for the sake of rating and sales. He said that in terms of quality, what was prioritized is popularity.
“I see that there are a lot of actors and actress, but I do not know where they come from. It is like, they are at the top of mountain, but they have never climbed a mountain or even do not know how walk down on it. Right now, what most important is the popularity. That is what I think changed from the world of cinema,” he explained.
Based on his experience, to be able to involved in the world of big screen, especially as a self-taught actor, it requires a lot of hard work. He first came from Rumah Musik Harry Roesli which was formerly known as Deport Kreasi Bandung (DKSB) and began to explore his artistic potential.
Budi Dalton’s career in film industry started from his role in a theatrical musical performance. Seeing his unique and frankly-spoken character, Budi Dalton was then invited by one of the film industries to play on a big screen.
“Because I am also a music teacher, in 2006, I became one of the juries in a music competition on one of television stations. Then, I joined some of television sketches. By the experience, I realized that thing does not instantly and suddenly appear,” he added.
Asked about the condition of Indonesian cinema, he said there are many scientific disciplines, history, places, artifacts, or interesting stories in the country that can be introduced to the public through films.
Budi Dalton hoped that in the future, the scenario writer and film director could seek for every existing potential people in Indonesia to be able to make more (our) film popular to the world.
“Indonesia needs more educational films. We really need to have a confidence of our folk story in our own country, for the sake of our growth. I am sure, technologically and technically, there are a lot of artists in Indonesia who have the ability more than any other countries,” he concluded. (Reta Amaliyah S)*