| Abstract: |
The role of film, which is used here in generic terms to include audiovisual
images as well as animation, in engendering the much-sought after Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) identity is a necessary ingredient in the
general framework of development leading to the realisation of the ASEAN
Community. Film is an economic tool as it brings unquantifiable benefits to
sectors participating in the industry. It is an effective information
mechanism translating messages in more meaningful ways that appeal to the
emotions. Film mirrors the cultural lives of people and reflects their
heritage, values, and traditions. With the advancement in technology, film now
comes in different platforms and formats, and is not confined to cinema or
theatre. It becomes accessible through personal gadgets, the Internet,
television (TV), cable TV, and digital versatile discs (DVDs). Thus, the reach
and influence of films are vital in the people-oriented and peoplecentred
agenda of an identity search and ensure that stakeholders down to the
community level in all ASEAN member states (AMS) benefit from this approach.
The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint clearly identifies the
goals and strategies that AMS should support through the multilevel mechanisms
in the Committee on Culture and Information (COCI), the Senior Officials
Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI), and the ASEAN Ministers
Responsible for Information (AMRI). This set of goals and strategies can be
facilitated and implemented by collectively engaging government agencies in
charge of film development in the AMS under the management of a technical
expert group for this area and referred to as FILM ASEAN. While the COCI,
SOMRI, and AMRI can provide the official conduit for the government’s
participation in film development, FILM ASEAN as presented in this paper is
worth taking a look at. There may also be a need to re-think the assignment of
officers to the Working Group on Content and Production formed by the SOMRI to
attend to the business of film development. Representation of the FILM ASEAN
in the said Working Group may be an immediate action that can be taken for
this purpose. Other initiatives related to global connection for film
production and co-production may also be assigned to FILM ASEAN as it is
already engaged in this endeavour. |