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Indonesian mobile cinema brings back the old film format in new digital age
A child stands as she watches a film at a wedding party in Bogor, Indonesia. Filmmakers and cinemas have almost completely phased out the 35-mm. format in the past decade as they switch to cheaper, better quality digital formats. But for Kamaluddin, running a ‘mobile cinema’ means bringing nostalgia and entertainment to the city’s poorer residents. (REUTERS)
Updated on: May 31, 2017 12:27 PM IST
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A child stands as she watches a film at a wedding party in Bogor, Indonesia. Filmmakers and cinemas have almost completely phased out the 35-mm. format in the past decade as they switch to cheaper, better quality digital formats. But for Kamaluddin, running a ‘mobile cinema’ means bringing nostalgia and entertainment to the city’s poorer residents. (REUTERS)
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Kamaluddin checks a 35mm film strip at his workshop. Indonesian entrepreneur Kamaluddin loves the gritty look of old 35-millimeter film so much that he spends most of his nights screening vintage movies at weddings and parties around Jakarta (REUTERS)
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People watch a film during a wedding party in Bogor. He transports a 35-mm projector and sound system, films, a screen and large tent in his truck. (REUTERS)
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A villager sits next to a projector showing a film, during a circumcision party in Rempoa village on the outskirts of Jakarta. (REUTERS)
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The movies usually run into the early hours of the morning, with street vendors selling food, clothes and toys often setting up nearby, to sell their wares to the cinema-goers. (REUTERS)
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Bollywood movies are hugely popular in Indonesia, especially on its islands of Bali and Java, where music and dance are heavily influenced by Indian tradition and performing arts. (REUTERS)
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A worker re-connects a broken film strip before a wedding party. But earnings have fallen steadily in the mobile cinema business as the younger middle class flocks to air-conditioned movie theatres that offer reclining chairs, or even beds, alongside fast food and soft drinks. (REUTERS)
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Workers stand next to cans containing copies of the film 'Rambo', before a wedding party. (REUTERS)
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A pile of 35mm film cans is seen at Kamaludin's house in Tangerang. (REUTERS)
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An operator adjusts a film projector during a party in Bogor. At the venue, usually an open field or outside the home of a customer holding a party or celebration, people gather to watch as Kamaluddin sets up his equipment. (REUTERS)
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