Joko Anwar’s Ghost in the Cell Secures North American Deal After Berlinale Premiere

Joko Anwar’s prison-set horror-comedy Ghost in the Cell lands global distribution following its Berlin debut. ©Come and See Pictures

Joko Anwar’s Ghost in the Cell Lands Global Deals After Berlinale Premiere

Joko Anwar isn’t slowing down.

Following its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, Anwar’s horror-comedy Ghost in the Cell has secured major international distribution deals, with Barunson E&A unveiling a strong slate of sales during the European Film Market.

Per Variety, Well Go USA has acquired North American rights to the Indonesia-South Korea co-production, bringing the prison-set supernatural thriller stateside. The film centers on inmates inside a violent Indonesian prison who are forced to unite when a mysterious entity begins targeting those with the darkest auras. Survival isn’t about strength — it’s about guilt.

Additional distribution deals include The World Pictures (Russia and CIS), La Aventura (Spain and Spanish-speaking territories), Calendar Studios (Taiwan), Shinesaeng Ad. Venture (Thailand theatrical), Purple Plan Pte (Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam theatrical), Filmbridge (Mongolia), and previously announced Plaion Pictures (Germany and German-speaking territories). Negotiations are ongoing in other regions, including Benelux.

Well Go USA CEO Doris Pfardrescher praised the acquisition, noting the company’s history with Anwar after releasing Gundala, and calling Ghost in the Cell “wildly entertaining and deliciously gory in all the right ways.” Purple Plan Pte echoed that sentiment, describing the film as bold, unapologetic, and high-impact — a horror experience that stands apart in the genre space.

But beneath the blood and chaos, there’s something heavier at work.

Anwar has made it clear that Ghost in the Cell isn’t just about prison carnage. The film weaves in commentary on Indonesia’s deforestation crisis, positioning the supernatural presence as a carrier of truths that human systems refuse to acknowledge. As Anwar told Variety, environmental and political realities are not side themes in horror — they are often the origin of it.

That blend of social commentary and genre intensity has become a signature for the filmmaker, who continues to evolve Indonesia’s horror landscape on the global stage.

The film is produced by Anwar and Tia Hasibuan under Come and See Pictures alongside Rapi Films, Barunson E&A and Legacy Pictures. The ensemble cast includes Abimana Aryasatya, Lukman Sardi, Bront Palarae, Aming, Rio Dewanto, Morgan Oey and Tora Sudiro.

Ghost in the Cell is scheduled for an Indonesian theatrical release in the second quarter of 2026, with North American release details expected soon.

A haunted prison.

A supernatural reckoning.

And a filmmaker who understands that horror has always been political.

We’ll be watching this one closely.