Indonesian horror film Perewangan features Maya and Wulan facing supernatural terror.
The U.S.-Thai film distribution company EST N8 has acquired the international rights to the Indonesian horror movie Perewangan, marking a new chapter in the growing global interest in Indonesian cinema.
The film is set to premiere in its home market theaters later this month.
Perewangan, written and directed by Awi Suryadi, follows the supernatural struggles of two main characters, Maya and Wulan. Their once-thriving family business faces ruin as they encounter an eerie, menacing figure tied to their misfortunes.
Known for his work on KKN Di Desa Penari, the highest-grossing Indonesian film to date, Suryadi has already made a significant name for himself in the horror genre with his Danur franchise.
The film features an ensemble cast led by Davina Karamoy, Restu Triandy, and musician-turned-actor Shanty. The presence of well-known actors in the Indonesian entertainment industry adds to the film’s high expectations.
The project is produced by MD Pictures, a major player in Indonesian cinema, under the leadership of Manoj Punjabi, who has been instrumental in producing over 190 films. MD Pictures is also behind KKN Di Desa Penari.
The partnership with EST N8 represents a broader effort to bring Southeast Asian horror films to international markets. EST N8, formed by EST Studios and N8, is committed to promoting Asian content across multiple genres.
The company, launched in 2022 by Jaeson Ma and Eric Tu, is working toward releasing about 15 projects a year, including producing and financing films. Their mission is to give Asian filmmakers a platform to reach audiences worldwide.
In addition to Indonesian films, EST N8 focuses on productions from Thailand, Korea, and Nepal, among others.
“Perewangan is a film that promises to deliver intense thrills and supernatural elements, which are becoming popular globally,” said Jaeson Ma, the chairman of EST Studios. “Our collaboration with MD Entertainment marks an exciting chapter in horror cinema. Awi Suryadi’s talent is sure to elevate this project to new heights.”
In addition to Perewangan, EST N8’s sales slate at the upcoming Busan International Film Festival includes a variety of Asian films. Among them is 30 Minutes, a time-loop thriller currently in post-production, and Delivery Man, a thriller directed by Kongkiat Komesiri.
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Also on their list is Mash Ville, a Korean action film that earned the Best Director Award at the Fantasia International Film Festival, and the horror thriller Chabak, which recently topped Netflix charts in Korea. Completing their lineup is the Nepalese historical drama Gurkha Warrior.
This acquisition reflects the increasing interest in Indonesian horror, which has been on the rise in recent years. Perewangan is set to follow in the footsteps of other successful Indonesian films, continuing to showcase the country’s unique take on the horror genre.
As international distributors like EST N8 continue to pick up projects like Perewangan, it’s clear that there’s a growing demand for Southeast Asian cinema on the global stage.
With a strong production team and an experienced director at the helm, Perewangan is set to capture attention both at home in Indonesia and internationally. Fans of the horror genre, both in Asia and beyond, are eagerly awaiting its release.
This collaboration between EST N8 and MD Entertainment is part of a broader strategy to bring innovative and compelling stories to life, offering audiences fresh perspectives on the horror genre.
Whether Perewangan will match the box office success of Suryadi’s previous work remains to be seen, but all signs point to a promising debut for the film on the international market.
