News

Est N8, the international sales, production, and finance company, has acquired “Family Secrets,” a Korean family drama directed by Lee Sang-hoon (“Windmill”), at Hong Kong FilMart.

The film tells the story of an average Korean family whose members begin leading secret lives unknown to each other. The eldest daughter Mina, for instance, skips her piano lessons to take self-defense classes. The narrative reveals these new pursuits are connected to promises made to their deceased family member Seung-hyun, who perished in the tragic Sewol ferry incident.

“Family Secrets” takes a distinctive approach to the Sewol Ferry disaster, focusing on hope rather than sorrow. “The Sewol ferry victims’ families try not to talk about the Sewol ferry disaster, but rather to talk about the good and happy stories,” director Lee Sang-hoon said. “Since they know how much pain they each are feeling, they comfort and encourage each other with hopeful communication during...

Exclusive: Los Angeles-based sales, production, and finance company Est N8 has acquired Indonesian horror film Pabrik Gula (Sugar Mill) for North America release.

Pabrik Gula is directed by Awi Suryadi, who helmed the highest-grossing Indonesian film of all time, Kkn di Desa Penari.

Pabrik Gula will have its theatrical release in Indonesia on Eid al-Fitr in end-March, and is set to hit theaters across North America, including IMAX screens, in April 2025.

The film follows a group of seasonal workers arriving at a sugar mill, only to find themselves tormented by vengeful demons. As terrifying events unfold, they must unravel the mystery of what awakened these dark forces — and whether they can escape and return home before it is too late.

Arbani Yasiz stars in the film, alongside Erika Carlina and Ersya Aurelia.

The film is produced by MD Pictures,...

International finance, production and sales company Est N8has acquired at EFM sales rights to Mongolian horror The Circle Of Death.

Tserendorj Tsedenbal directed the story about a man tortured by violent visions who attempts to break a generational curse that has tormented his family for years. Mongolian actor Sukhee Ariunbyamba and Thai actor Maggi Apa Bhavilai star.

Bankgkok-based Peripheral Pictures produced and president Adam Pray said, “The team from The Circle Of Death brings a unique perspective to genre film which is a breath of fresh air in a crowded marketplace. We’re very excited to be working with...

Global sales, production, and finance company Est N8 has acquired “Hutang Nyawa,” an Indonesian horror film due to release Dec. 12. The acquisition was made during the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (Jaff).

Directed by Billy Christian, a filmmaker with over a decade of horror films under his belt, “Hutang Nyawa” tells the story of Erwina, the youngest member of a family who is sent to work in an old factory. She soon discovers she has been offered as a sacrifice to settle her family’s dark debt to the devil. Christian’s recent project “Motel Melati’ competed at the Sitges Film Festival.

The film stars Taskya Namya, known for Netflix’s action film “The Shadow Strays” and the horror film “Suzzana,” alongside Rachel Vennya, a social media influencer making her acting debut in this genre. It is produced by Visinema Pictures, the studio behind hits like “Filosofi Kopi” and “Keluarga Cemara.

International finance, production and sales company Est N8 has acquired Indonesian horror Sorop during Asia TV Forum & Market (Atf) in Singapore.

Upi Avianto, known for her work on Till Death Do Us Part, Sri Asih,and the My Stupid Boss films, directed the story of siblings who return to their hometown following their uncle’s death and experience terrifying supernatural events.

Hana Malasan, Yasamin Jasem, and Ratu Felisha star in Sorop, which is produced by MD Pictures, part of MD Entertainment, which will distribute in Indonesia on December 19.

The MD Entertainment group is behind the hits Ayat Ayat Cinta and Habibie & Ainun.

International finance, production and sales company Est N8 has been in talks with buyers at AFM on Indonesian horror thriller The Hole after acquiring international rights.

Hanung Bramantyo directed the story co-written with Haqi Achmad. The story blends noir with supernatural horror and is said to be in the vein of Seven, The Wailing, and Ringu.

Set in rural Indonesia, The Hole follows a police officer’s journey into darkness as he investigates a series of brutal murders targeting village officials. As he delves deeper, he uncovers sinister secrets about the victims that put him and his loved ones at risk.

Serving a rising demand for Indonesian horror, U.S.-Thai film sales company Est N8 has picked up rights to “Perewangan,” a feature that launches in its home market theaters later this month.

In “Perewangan,” characters Maya and Wulan face supernatural terror as their once-thriving family business crumbles, leading them to confront a horrifying figure behind their misfortunes.

The film is written and directed by filmmaker Awi Suryadi, known for his work on “Kkn Di Desa Penari,” the highest-grossing Indonesian film of all time, and the “Danur” franchise. The cast is headed by Davina Karamoy, Restu Triandy and popular musician Shanty.

Perewangan is produced by MD Pictures, an MD Entertainment company, and part of the ManojPunjabi-led film and TV empire in Indonesia. The group has released over 190 films, including “Kkn Di Desa Penari.”

In addition to Perewangan, Est N8’s Busan market sales slate includes: the currently in-post production time-loop...