Indonesian top filmmakers aim to impress at Cannes

Indonesia's top movie-makers are aiming to make a splash at this year's Cannes film festival, backed by one of the country's most famous cinema veterans, Christine Hakim. More than two decades ago, Hakim produced and played a starring role in the landmark Indonesian drama "Leaf on a Pillow", which was screened to acclaim in Cannes at the time.

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The silver screen star is now leading a group of around 60 filmmakers and officials to the glitzy French resort town, hoping to put the Southeast Asian nation's burgeoning film industry on the map. Days ahead of Cannes' opening, Hakim said she was heading back to the festival to help Indonesian filmmakers sell their movies and talk to possible new partners for future films. “We are bringing young, talented filmmakers to showcase this new wave," she said.

“It’s important for the future of Indonesian cinema and I believe the impact will be significant,” added Hakim, who appeared alongside Julia Roberts in the 2010 hit “Eat, Pray, Love”. Among her delegation to Cannes are some big players in Indonesian film, including director of 1998's “Leaf on a Pillow”, Garin Nugroho, actors Chelsea Islan and Reza Rahadian, and directors Robby Ertanto and Yosep Anggi Noen.