BarunsonE&A, the Korean production banner behind the multi-Oscar-winning film Parasite, is expanding its reach into Southeast Asian cinema with the upcoming release of Zona Merah: Dead City. This feature film adaptation of the hit Indonesian horror series Zona Merah is set to be a significant venture, showcasing the company's interest in the region's genre titles. The original series, which debuted on Vidio, an Indonesian streaming platform, became a massive hit, attracting over 34 million views and a surge of new subscribers. This success story has now been translated into a feature film, with the original creators and cast returning to bring the story to a wider audience.
The film's expansion is a strategic move, as it aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of Indonesian genre films. Screenplay Films, the production company behind the series, is known for its successful ventures in the genre, including Wait Until I Make It and Joko Anwar's Gundala. The new feature is expected to build upon the original's success, with a wider scope and a fresh red zone emerging, adding to the suspense and intrigue. The cast, including Aghniny Haque, Andri Mashadi, and Maria Theodore, is set to reprise their roles, with new additions like Luna Maya and Bryan Domani, adding to the film's star power.
Barunson's involvement in this project is part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. The company has been actively acquiring international remake rights to local titles and working closely with leading Indonesian production houses. This includes a two-year exclusive sales partnership with Come and See Pictures, the banner of Indonesian horror hitmaker Anwar, whose latest film, Ghost in the Cell, dominated the Indonesian box office. Barunson's interest in Southeast Asian cinema is evident, as it continues to assemble a portfolio of saleable genre titles from the region, showcasing its commitment to the market's potential.
The upcoming Cannes Marché launch of Zona Merah: Dead City is a significant event, as it will introduce the film to the world and highlight the growing popularity of Indonesian horror. The film's success in the region and its potential for global appeal make it a crucial addition to Barunson's portfolio. With its strategic moves and commitment to Southeast Asian cinema, Barunson is poised to make a significant impact in the genre market, offering audiences a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
