Joko Anwar’s horror-comedy Ghost in the Cell has secured distribution in multiple territories after its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, and Varnson E&A has announced sales in the European film market.
Well Go USA has acquired North American rights to the Indonesian-Korean co-production film. The film depicts inmates in a violent Indonesian prison who must band together to survive when supernatural beings begin targeting those with the darkest auras. Additional confirmed distributors include The World Pictures in Russia and the CIS, La Aventura in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, Calendar Studios in Taiwan, and Shinesaeng Ad. Theatrical rights in Thailand will be handled by Venture; theatrical rights in Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam will be handled by Purple Plan; Mongolia will be handled by Film Bridge; and Germany and German-speaking regions will be handled by the previously announced Prion Pictures. Negotiations are also underway in several additional regions, including the Benelux countries.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘Ghost in the Cell’ to North America,” said Doris Fardrescher, President and CEO of Well Go USA. “As long-time fans of Joko Anwar and having previously released his film ‘Gandara’, we have seen firsthand how much his work resonates with audiences here. ‘Ghost in the Cell’ was an absolute blast. It was super funny and so brutal in every sense of the word.”
Purple Plan went on to say, “We acquired Ghost in the Cell because it’s bold, unapologetic, and highly entertaining. Its gory, high-impact action and horror elements create a thrilling experience. Under the direction of Choko Anwar, this film has a unique voice that sets it apart from other films in this genre. We are excited to bring this film to Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia, offering audiences a brand new horror experience.”
The film, which premiered at the Berlinale Forum, tackles Indonesia’s deforestation crisis through a supernatural setting. “Environmental and political realities are always a source of fear, not just as a sideshow,” Anwar said in an interview with Variety. “I let ghosts tell me truths that human-made systems refuse to articulate.”
The film represents a collaboration between Jakarta-based Come & Sea Pictures and Anwar and producer Tia Hasibuan through Lapi Films, Barunson E&A and Legacy Pictures. The ensemble cast includes Abhimana Aryasathiya, Lukman Sardi, Bronto Paralae, Aming, Rio Dewanto, Morgan Ooi, and Tora Sudiro.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release in Indonesia in the second quarter of 2026.
