Indonesian Horror Films Gain Global Appeal Through Local Stories
- 18 Sep 2026 12:43 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Indonesian horror films attract international audiences through stories rooted in local folklore, mythology and culture.
- IHFFM 2026 will showcase Indonesian horror films in Melbourne on October 3, aiming to expand global exposure.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian horror films possess a distinct appeal that continues to attract international audiences through their rich cultural storytelling and local mythology, according to film producer and festival curator Intan Kieflie. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Intan noted a growing curiosity and demand among global buyers for Indonesian genre cinema.
"Many people ask, you are Indonesian, why isn't anyone bringing Indonesian horror films to the market when there is actually so much interest," said the initiator of the Indonesian Horror Film Festival Melbourne (IHFFM) and curator for Australia's Kraken Entertainment, Intan, as quoted by Antara.
Intan emphasized that foreign viewers are particularly drawn to narratives rooted in unique regional folklore. She cited the movie Kuyang as an example of a film that captured international attention due to its portrayal of Kalimantan mythology and local tradition.
However, she stressed that filmmakers must tailor their storytelling to ensure narrative elements remain accessible to broader global audiences without losing their cultural authenticity. Intan also pointed out that international promotion for Indonesian cinema remains insufficient, with filmmakers frequently relying solely on traditional distribution channels.
"Every film can be a box office hit, as long as we find the right audience, there is no good or bad film; what exists is a film that reaches its audience and generates revenue," Intan said.
To help bridge this promotional gap, the inaugural Indonesian Horror Film Festival Melbourne (IHFFM) 2026 will take place at the Capitol Theatre in Australia on October 3, 2026. Curated titles scheduled for screening include Malam 3 Yasinan, Kuyang, The Raid, Sukma, and Ritual Gaib.
Intan expressed hope that the festival will encourage domestic producers to collaborate more actively in marketing Indonesian horror on the global stage. ***
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