Joko Anwar’s horror-comedy film ‘Ghost in the Cell’ has secured distribution deals across several international territories following its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival’s Berlinale Forum. The sale of the film was announced by Barunson E&A at the European Film Market.

The film, an Indonesia-South Korea co-production, centers on inmates in a violent Indonesian prison who must work together to survive when a supernatural force targets those harboring dark auras. Well Go USA has acquired the North American distribution rights, joining other international distributors including The World Pictures for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), La Aventura for Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, Calendar Studios for Taiwan, and Shinesaeng Ad. Venture for Thailand’s theatrical release.

Additional deals include Purple Plan Pte for theatrical rights in Singapore, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and Filmbridge for Mongolia. Plaion Pictures, previously announced, will handle distribution for Germany and German-speaking regions. Negotiations are ongoing for other territories including the Benelux countries.

Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO of Well Go USA, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting their previous experience releasing Anwar’s film ‘Gundala’ and the director’s resonance with audiences in North America. She described ‘Ghost in the Cell’ as an entertaining and gore-filled film.

Purple Plan Pte also commented on their acquisition, emphasizing the film’s bold and impactful approach to horror and action, underscored by Anwar’s distinct storytelling style. They look forward to introducing the film to audiences in Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The film uses its supernatural storyline to address Indonesia’s deforestation crisis, with Anwar noting that the horror genre often reflects environmental and political realities. “The environmental and political realities have always been the origin of horror, not only as a sideshow,” he explained, adding that the ghost character conveys truths that human systems tend to suppress.

Produced by Anwar and Tia Hasibuan through their Jakarta-based company Come and See Pictures, ‘Ghost in the Cell’ is a collaboration involving Rapi Films, Barunson E&A, and Legacy Pictures. The ensemble cast features Abimana Aryasatya, Lukman Sardi, Bront Palarae, Aming, Rio Dewanto, Morgan Oey, and Tora Sudiro.

The film is slated for release in Indonesian theaters in the second quarter of 2026.