Joko Anwar’s horror-comedy “Ghost in the Cell” has secured distribution across multiple territories following its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, with Barunson E&A unveiling sales from the European Film Market.
Well Go USA has acquired North American rights to the Indonesia-South Korea co-production, which follows inmates in a violent Indonesian prison who must unite for survival when a supernatural entity begins targeting those with the darkest auras. Additional confirmed 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 theatrical rights, Purple Plan Pte for Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam theatrical rights, Filmbridge for Mongolia, and the previously announced Plaion Pictures for Germany and German-speaking territories. Negotiations are ongoing on several additional territories, including Benelux.
“We’re thrilled to bring ‘Ghost in the Cell’ to North America,” said Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO of Well Go USA. “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.”
Purple Plan Pte added: “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 film, which premiered in the Berlinale Forum, addresses Indonesia’s deforestation crisis through its supernatural premise. “The environmental and political realities have always been the origin of horror, not only as a sideshow,” Anwar told Variety in an interview. “I let the ghost carry the truth that the system made by humans refuses to articulate.”
The production represents a collaboration between Anwar and producer Tia Hasibuan through their Jakarta-based Come and See Pictures, alongside Rapi Films, Barunson E&A and Legacy Pictures. The ensemble cast features Abimana Aryasatya, Lukman Sardi, Bront Palarae, Aming, Rio Dewanto, Morgan Oey and Tora Sudiro.
The film is scheduled for Indonesian theatrical release in the second quarter of 2026.