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 (Winter Elegy, Azzamine) stars in the film, alongside Erika Carlina (The Devil’s Bride, Sleep Call) and Ersya Aurelia (Killers, Anak Jalanan: A New Beginning).
The film is produced by MD Pictures, under Indonesian studio MD Entertainment, which has released over 200 films since its founding in 2002, including Ayat Ayat Cinta, Habibie & Ainun.
The deal was brokered by Tenten Wei, Sophie Shi, and Cathy Ni of EST N8.
EST N8 is a partnership between LA-based EST Studios and New York- and Bangkok-based N8 Studios, representing a slate of Asian films at global markets. EST Studios was founded in 2022 by Jaeson Ma (Stampede Ventures, 88rising) and Eric Tu (Vice, Anonymous Content).
Suryadi’s other directing credits include horror flick Perewangan — which is also represented by EST N8.
In addition to Pabrik Gula, EST N8’s sales titles include Indonesian horror films Sorop, Hutang Nyawa and Perewangan and The Hole, as well as Korean thriller 30 Minutes, Japanese fantasy River Returns, Mongolian-Thai horror The Circle of Death, Malaysian action film Budak Flat, Korean action film Mash Ville and Thai thriller Delivery Man.
“The EST N8 team is ecstatic about collaborating with MD Pictures on Pabrik Gula,” said Ma, chairman of EST Studios. “We can’t wait to introduce audiences to the rich world of Pabrik Gula, a film that will surely resonate with fans of supernatural horror.”
Manoj Punjabi, CEO of MD Entertainment, added: “We are thrilled to bring Pabrik Gula (Sugar Mill) to audiences in the U.S., marking another milestone for Indonesian cinema on the global stage. This film is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality storytelling that resonates across cultures. With its gripping horror, deep-rooted folklore, and cinematic spectacle, we believe Pabrik Gula will leave a lasting impact on international audiences. We can’t wait for moviegoers in the U.S. to experience the thrill and mystery that this film has to offer.”
