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, the capital.
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.
"It's more artistic and the sound is much better than digital," he said. "If you watch three movies in a row, you won't feel tired, just relaxed."
He transports a 35-mm projector and sound system, films, a screen and large tent in his truck.
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.
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.
Viewers get a chance to reacquaint themselves with films from Hollywood's golden era and movies from India's Bollywood, long out of circulation.
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.
"This theatre is free of charge and we can watch old movies which we hardly find out there," said one viewer, Nurul Fitriyah, as she watched an old film on a huge fabric screen.
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.
"In 1997, in one night I could set up four screens in four different locations," said Kamaluddin, who estimates a night's work could bring in up to $300 in the old days.
"Now, if I'm lucky, I can set up projectors twice a month and earn around $100 per night."
Reuters
Tue May 30 2017
People watch a film during a wedding party in Bogor, Indonesia, March 19, 2017. REUTERS
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.