Barunson E&A, the production company known for the critically acclaimed and groundbreaking film 'Parasite,' is expanding its global reach by investing in an upcoming Indonesian horror film called 'Respati.' This investment not only includes financial support but also involves worldwide sales duties and pre-selling rights at the prestigious European Film Market in Berlin.
'Respati' is a chilling tale that follows the life of a teenager gifted with the ability to enter people's dreams. However, his extraordinary power takes a dark turn when he witnesses a malevolent spirit haunting and claiming lives within those dreams. Soon, he realizes that these dream deaths are connected to the mysterious and unsettling deaths happening in the real world. With this unsettling connection, he embarks on a quest to unravel the truth behind these events.
Directed by Sidharta Tata, an up-and-coming Indonesian filmmaker, 'Respati' is currently in post-production and is slated for a theatrical release in May of this year. Tata has already made a name for himself in the Indonesian film industry, ranking fifth at the 2023 local box office with his directorial debut, 'Waktu Maghrib.' His most recent film, 'Ali Topan,' premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and is set to dazzle Indonesian audiences on February 14, 2024.
The production company behind 'Respati' is Base Entertainment, renowned for its success in producing hit films like Joko Anwar's 2019 thriller, 'Impetigore,' as well as the Netflix original series, 'Cigarette Girl,' which made its debut at the Busan International Film Festival. Base Entertainment also ventured into the world of animation with the production of 'Trese,' Netflix's first original anime series from Southeast Asia, in 2021.
This investment marks the second time Barunson E&A has put its support behind a non-Korean production since the launch of its international operations in October 2022. The company has proven its commitment to international co-production and film finance, seeking projects that possess unique concepts accompanied by strong creative teams.
Sylvie Kim, the head of Barunson E&A's international business unit, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, 'We are constantly on the lookout for projects with unique concepts and strong creative teams. We firmly believe that 'Respati' is a horror film that has tremendous potential to captivate audiences not only in Indonesia but worldwide.'
Director Sidharta Tata, equally enthused about 'Respati,' expressed the team's enjoyment in crafting a fresh perspective on the horror genre. With innovative storytelling techniques and a haunting atmosphere, the film promises to deliver a thrill that will resonate with a wide range of viewers.
Shanty Harmayn, co-chief executive of Base Entertainment, eagerly anticipates sharing this thrilling and innovative film with audiences from around the world. As Barunson E&A continues to expand its international presence and invest in diverse projects, 'Respati' stands as a testament to the growing global collaboration and the exciting future of the film industry.
