Indonesian horror cinema has once again captured the global stage. Two of its latest titles, Pabrik Gula (Sugar Mill) and Perewangan, have been officially acquired by horror streaming giant Shudder for release across North America, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This marks another milestone in the ongoing rise of Indonesian horror, proving its ability to stand tall on the international platform.
According to Variety, this acquisition brings director Awi Suryadi back to the global spotlight after his record-breaking success with KKN di Desa Penari, Indonesia’s highest-grossing horror film to date. By continuing this wave, Awi Suryadi strengthens Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s leading voices in genre filmmaking. His vision ensures that Indonesian horror is not only culturally rooted but also universally relatable.
Pabrik Gula draws deeply from Indonesian folklore, combining historical settings from Dutch colonial times with modern horror elements. Centered around a sugar plantation, the film offers chilling period atmospheres while connecting them to contemporary fears. This unique blend has resonated strongly with local audiences, pulling in over 4.7 million moviegoers, making it 2025’s biggest local horror success. Meanwhile, Perewangan dives into Javanese spiritual beliefs, focusing on mysterious entities said to grant material benefits, thereby exploring how folklore intersects with real human desires and fears.
The success of both titles is not limited to Indonesian cinemas. Internationally, Pabrik Gula has already made waves following its March theatrical rollout in North America, later setting new benchmarks during its Vietnamese release in July. Sales have since extended further across Asia-Pacific territories and beyond, including Taiwan, Japan, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Such rapid expansion proves the increasing appetite for Asian horror in today’s global market.
Executives at Shudder expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Sam Zimmerman, Senior VP of Programming and Acquisitions at Shudder, noted:
“Shudder has been a proud showcase for contemporary Indonesian horror, and we’re absolutely thrilled to grow that offering with Perewangan and Pabrik Gula. These are two terrifically frightening and fun films from the great director Awi Suryadi.”
This statement underscores Shudder’s ongoing commitment to highlighting diverse horror voices, ensuring that Indonesian stories reach international audiences.
Meanwhile, Jaeson Ma, CEO of EST N8, emphasized the cultural mission behind this collaboration:
“Bringing the East and the West together has been one of our core missions. These two films represent the best of Southeast Asian cultural horror, and having them on Shudder reinforces our reputation for premium Asian content. We look forward to more collaboration opportunities with global platforms like Shudder.”
Such a vision aligns perfectly with the growing interest in Southeast Asian cinema. It highlights how Indonesian horror is not just about scares but also about cultural storytelling, bridging communities across borders.
Co-founder Kris Eiamsakulrat further echoed this sentiment, saying:
“I’m deeply honored to have Pabrik Gula and Perewangan on Shudder. It’s a thrilling milestone for EST N8 to be featured on a platform dedicated to horror. What’s local is universal — I’m excited for Shudder’s audience to connect with Awi Suryadi’s culturally rooted horror.”
The recognition of Indonesian films by platforms like Shudder demonstrates how far the industry has come in just a few years. Following the unprecedented success of KKN di Desa Penari, the momentum has only grown stronger. These latest acquisitions highlight how Indonesian filmmakers are not only telling local stories but also shaping the global horror conversation.
For director Awi Suryadi, this is more than a professional achievement; it is the continuation of a mission to bring authentic Indonesian voices to international screens. His track record shows a remarkable consistency in combining cultural depth with commercial appeal, a balance that positions him as one of the most important directors in Asia today.
With Pabrik Gula and Perewangan, audiences worldwide are invited to experience a new wave of horror — one that is frightening, thought-provoking, and deeply rooted in tradition. As the films roll out across multiple continents, they not only showcase Indonesia’s creative excellence but also reaffirm the country’s role in shaping the future of global genre cinema.