French Govt Honors Indonesian Filmmaker Garin Nugroho

French Ambassador Corrine Breuze awarded the honorary decoration of Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et Lettres to renowned Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho in a ceremony at the ambassador’s residence in Jakarta on Tuesday (26/04).

The award is given to Indonesian figures who strengthen Indonesia-France partnerships, particularly in the arts. “The award from the French cultural ministry is a recognition to Garin Nugroho’s brilliant career in culture and his contribution to develop cinematography industry in Indonesia, a well appreciated industry in France,” Breuze said.

Garin’s works have been nominated for the Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival — first in 1998 with “Daun di Atas Bantal” (“Leaf on a Pillow”) and in 2006 for “Serambi” (“Porch”) The director said the award is the best he had ever received during his 35-year cinematographic career. The public has been fond of his poetic side and aesthetic concerns in his writings, which are filled with social and political messages.

The Austrian government had also previously requested Garin make a film on Mozart’s 250th anniversary, titled “Opera Jawa. The film was adapted into a theatrical performance in 2008 and featured in Switzerland. (www.jakartaglobe.com)