Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Some 18 monkey handlers have been recruited to prevent monkeys in the "Monkey Forest" in Ubud, Gianyar district, Bali, from interfering in the shooting of certain episodes of the "Eat, Pray, Love" film starring Julia Roberts.

"We don`t have any confirmation about the schedule of the film shooting activity here but preparations have been made, such as assignment of security personnel and monkey handlers so that the shooting can be conducted safely," Made Dana, a community figure of Padang Tegal village, Ubud, said here on Saturday.

He said it had been agreed with the film producer that the Monkey Forest which is one of Ubud`s tourist attractions would not be closed during the film shootings.

"But it all depends on further developments, If it is not possible to keep the forest open to the public, then perhaps there will be a temporary closure," he said.

If the forest had to be closed temporarily, the forest`s caretakers would make a prior announcement to be understood by all parties, he said.

In addition, local indigenous parties were also prepared to conduct a small ceremony at Pura Dalem Agung in Padang Tegal area so that all the film shootings can run smoothly.

Julia Roberts who arrived in Bali last October 15 was scheduled to stay on the "Island of Gods" for a month.

Some of the locations used for the film`s making are Ubud, Padang-padang Beach, Pecatu, Ungasan in Kuta Selatan village and Badung district.

During the shooting, security was very tight at the shooting site. Journalists and the public have difficulty to take pictures when Julia Roberts and other players were in action, including difficulty to get statements from the film crew. (*)