The international horror scene welcomes a chilling new contender as Indonesia’s Pabrik Gula (Sugar Mill) takes center stage in Hollywood. The highly anticipated film premiered last night at AMC The Grove in Los Angeles, captivating a glamorous audience of celebrities, industry powerhouses, and global influencers.
Helmed by renowned director Awi Suryadi and produced by MD Pictures in collaboration with EST Studios and N8 Studios, Pabrik Gula immerses viewers in the sinister world of an isolated Javanese sugar mill where malevolent forces torment seasonal workers. Inspired by real events, the film has already cultivated a devoted fan base in Indonesia and is now poised to introduce international audiences to the haunting depths of Southeast Asian horror.
The exclusive U.S. premiere, hosted by MD Pictures and EST N8—the joint venture between EST Studios and N8 Studios—unfolded on March 26, 2025. The event featured Pabrik Gula’s celebrated Indonesian cast, including Arbani Yasiz, Ersya Aurelia, Erika Carlina, Bukie B. Mansyur, Arif Alfiansya, and Benidictus Siregar, whose performances have garnered widespread acclaim. Hollywood luminaries also graced the red carpet, among them Sebastien Roché (1923), Tara Reid (American Pie), Colton Tran (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Carey W. Hayes (writer of The Conjuring franchise), comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono, and Indonesian Consul General in Los Angeles, Purnomo Ahmad Chandra.
MD Pictures CEO Manoj Punjabi emphasized the significance of bringing Pabrik Gula to an international audience, highlighting the overwhelming enthusiasm the film has generated in Indonesia.
Director Awi Suryadi underscored the film’s authenticity, noting that filming in actual sugar mills during harvest season added an immersive realism that enhances the horror experience.
Sophie Shi, Head of Acquisitions & Productions at EST N8, praised the premiere as a testament to the global strength of Indonesian cinema, lauding Pabrik Gula’s ability to blend terrifying folklore with deeply rooted cultural narratives. She reiterated EST N8’s commitment to bridging Eastern and Western audiences through compelling storytelling. Shi said, “The red carpet premiere of Pabrik Gula was a testament to the power of Indonesian horror. Awi Suryadi once again delivers a gripping, culturally rich cinematic experience, and we are thrilled to bring this film to global audiences. With MD Pictures and EST N8 joining forces, this partnership marks a new milestone in showcasing Southeast Asian cinema on the world stage.”
The event underscored the increasing international appetite for Southeast Asian horror. With past global successes like The Ring and Train to Busan, Pabrik Gula emerges as a potential cultural touchstone, seamlessly weaving spine-tingling folklore with gripping emotional depth.
The film is set to debut in Indonesian theaters on March 31, 2025, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr celebrations. A North American theatrical release is slated for April 2025, with IMAX screenings offering an intensified horror experience for audiences.
As global audiences take notice of Indonesian horror’s unique storytelling power, Pabrik Gula stands ready to deliver unforgettable scares—one haunted sugar mill at a time.