Four Indonesia-Malaysia Horror Co-Productions Unveiled At JAFF Market
Four co-productions between leading Indonesian and Malaysian production outfits were announced at JAFF Market today, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two Southeast Asian countries.
All four films – Munafik Melawan Iblis, Khurafat, Khadam and Badut Gendong – are horror titles, a genre that is currently driving the box office in both countries. Malaysia’s Skop Productions is behind two of the films – Munafik Melawan Iblis, a third installment in its popular Munafik horror franchise, and an Indonesian remake of its 2011 horror film Khurafat.
Skop will co-produce Munafik Melawan Iblis with Indonesia’s Unlimited Production and other Malaysian partners. The film also has an Indonesian director, Guntur Soeharjanto, on board. The first two Munafik films were directed by Malaysia’s Syamsul Yusof whose credits also include the original Khurafat film and historical epic Mat Kilau, Malaysia’s highest-grossing film of all time.
The Khurafat remake is being directed by Malaysia’s Zahir Omar, whose credits include multiple episodes of Disney+ Indonesian series Tira, and co-produced by Skop and Indonesian partners, to be announced soon.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Komet Productions and Indonesia’s Redcomm revealed first footage of mystery horror film Khadam, which is being filmed with support from Malaysia’s 30% FIMI incentive.
Starring Indonesian actress Aghniny Haque, the 1950s-set film follows the struggles of women in various family roles being haunted by an evil presence. The film has also attracted investment from Indonesia’s Magma Entertainment, China’s Sil Metropole Organization and India’s Applause Entertainment.
In addition, Magma Entertainment and Malaysia’s Skop are co-producing Badut Gendong, an extension of Magma’s popular Qodrat horror franchise. Starring Marthino Lio (Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash) and directed by Magma’s Charles Gozali, the film is also backed by Applause Entertainment and Malaysian and Indonesian investors including Astro Shaw and Legacy Pictures.
All four films are being lined up for theatrical release in 2026. Indonesia’s box office has been growing steadily over the past few years, with local horror movies one of the most popular genres.
JAFF Market is taking place for four days (November 29-December 1) during Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), which opens tonight with a screening of a restored version of Garin Nugroho’s Opera Jawa.
