Joko Anwar’s horror-comedy 'Ghost in the Cell' has sold distribution rights to several international markets after its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. The Indonesia-South Korea co-production follows prison inmates facing a supernatural threat. Well Go USA acquired North American rights, with additional deals for Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Joko Anwar’s film 'Ghost in the Cell' premiered in the Berlinale Forum on February 26, 2026, marking its world debut at the Berlin International Film Festival. The movie, a horror-comedy co-produced by Indonesia and South Korea, centers on inmates in a violent Indonesian prison who band together against a supernatural entity that targets individuals with the darkest auras. Through its plot, the film addresses Indonesia’s deforestation crisis, using the supernatural elements to explore environmental and political themes.
Barunson E&A handled sales at the European Film Market, announcing deals for various territories. Well Go USA secured North American rights, with president and CEO Doris Pfardrescher stating, “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Ghost in the Cell’ to North America. As longtime fans of Joko Anwar, having previously released his film ‘Gundala,’ we’ve seen firsthand how strongly his work resonates with audiences here. ‘Ghost in the Cell’ is an absolute blast – it’s wildly entertaining and deliciously gory in all the right ways.”
Other distributors include The World Pictures for Russia and CIS, La Aventura for Spain and Spanish-speaking territories, Calendar Studios for Taiwan, Shinesaeng Ad. Venture for Thailand’s theatrical rights, Purple Plan Pte for Singapore, Cambodia, and Vietnam theatrical rights, Filmbridge for Mongolia, and Plaion Pictures for Germany and German-speaking territories. Negotiations continue for Benelux and additional regions.
Purple Plan Pte commented, “We acquired ‘Ghost in the Cell’ because it’s bold, unapologetic, and wildly entertaining. Its gory, high-impact action and horror elements create a thrilling experience. Under the direction of prolific storyteller Joko Anwar, the film has a distinctive voice that sets it apart from others in the genre. We’re excited to bring it to Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia giving audiences a brand-new horror experience.”
The production involves Anwar and producer Tia Hasibuan’s Come and See Pictures, alongside Rapi Films, Barunson E&A, and Legacy Pictures. The cast features Abimana Aryasatya, Lukman Sardi, Bront Palarae, Aming, Rio Dewanto, Morgan Oey, and Tora Sudiro. An Indonesian theatrical release is planned for the second quarter of 2026.
Anwar explained the film’s themes in an interview, saying, “The environmental and political realities have always been the origin of horror, not only as a sideshow. I let the ghost carry the truth that the system made by humans refuses to articulate.”
