The global horror scene just got a spine-chilling new addition, and Hollywood is taking notice. Pabrik Gula (Sugar Mill), Indonesia’s latest horror sensation, premiered in Los Angeles last night at AMC The Grove, drawing a glamorous crowd of A-list stars, industry elites, and international tastemakers.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Awi Suryadi and produced by MD Pictures in collaboration with EST Studios and N8 Studios, Pabrik Gula takes audiences deep into the eerie world of a remote Javanese sugar mill, where supernatural forces torment seasonal workers. The film, based on true events, has already gained a cult following in Indonesia and is set to introduce global audiences to a new wave of Southeast Asian horror.
The U.S. premiere, hosted by MD Pictures and EST N8—a joint venture between EST Studios and N8 Studios—took place on March 26, 2025, with red carpet arrivals starting at 5:30 PM, followed by a screening at 7:00 PM. The event featured Indonesian stars Arbani Yasiz, Ersya Aurelia, Erika Carlina, Bukie B. Mansyur, Arif Alfiansya, and Benidictus Siregar, whose performances have earned critical acclaim across Asia. Hollywood celebrities and industry leaders also walked the red carpet, including Sebastien Roché (1923), Tara Reid (American Pie), Colton Tran (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Carey W. Hayes (writer of The Conjuring franchise), comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono, and Indonesian Consul General in Los Angeles, Purnomo Ahmad Chandra.
A Cultural Horror Experience on a Global Stage
MD Pictures CEO Manoj Punjabi expressed excitement over the film’s international debut:
“The public’s anticipation of Pabrik Gula in Indonesia has been phenomenal, and we were proud to bring this story to international audiences. The premiere marked a major step in sharing Indonesian cinema with the world.”
Director Awi Suryadi added:
“Filming in real sugar mills during harvest season brought a layer of authenticity that elevated the horror. We aimed to tell a story that felt culturally grounded yet universally haunting.”
Sophie Shi, Head of Acquisitions & Productions at EST N8, also reflected on the premiere:
“Tonight’s premiere showcased the strength of Indonesian cinema on the international stage. Pabrik Gula delivers both spine-chilling horror and an emotionally grounded story, making it a standout in the genre. At EST N8, we are dedicated to bridging East to West, and this film is a shining example of that mission in action.”
Hollywood Embraces Indonesian Horror
The evening reinforced the growing global appetite for Southeast Asian horror. Following the success of international hits like The Ring and Train to Busan, Pabrik Gula positions itself as the next cultural phenomenon, merging terrifying folklore with rich, emotional storytelling.
The film will open in Indonesian theaters on March 31, 2025, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Its North American theatrical release is scheduled for April 2025, with IMAX screenings promising an even more immersive experience for horror fans.
As the world begins to take note of the power of Indonesian horror, Pabrik Gula stands ready to terrify audiences—one eerie sugar mill at a time.
