Blue Finch Films secures global rights to Indonesian horror film ‘The Draft!’
A new horror gem emerges from Indonesia
In an exciting development for horror enthusiasts, U.K.-based sales and distribution company Blue Finch Films has acquired worldwide rights to the Indonesian horror film The Draft!. This acquisition comes just ahead of the film’s international premiere at Austin’s Fantastic Fest, a renowned platform for genre films.
A fresh take on the cabin-in-the-woods trope
Directed by Yusron Fuadi, The Draft! follows the harrowing weekend of five college students who find themselves battling a powerful dark force at a remote villa. The film aims to subvert familiar horror tropes, offering a fresh perspective on the well-worn cabin-in-the-woods subgenre.
Fuadi, who co-wrote the script with Anindita Suryarasmi, Richard Hames Halstead, and B.W. Purba Negara, describes the project as a ”love letter to horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films.” He adds, “Being a love letter, naturally I put all my passion, anger, lust, protest, and obsession into this slightly underrated and somewhat overdone genre.”
A promising addition to Blue Finch’s lineup
Mike Chapman of Blue Finch Films praised The Draft! as “a thoroughly imaginative and original entry to the horror genre which will delight audiences worldwide.” This acquisition is a testament to the film’s potential to captivate horror fans globally.
Blue Finch Films’ international slate is already impressive, featuring titles like Jean Luc Herbulot’s Sitges-selected Zero, SXSW 2024 Midnighter Audience Award winner Oddity, and Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s Rotterdam-selected thriller Steppenwolf.
The rise of Indonesian horror
Indonesia has long been a fertile ground for horror cinema, deeply rooted in the country’s rich folklore and supernatural beliefs. Recent years have seen a surge in both domestic and international interest in Indonesian horror films. Titles like Impetigore by Joko Anwar and May the Devil Take You by Timo Tjahjanto have gained critical acclaim on the global festival circuit. Notably, Impetigore was Indonesia’s entry in the Oscars’ international category in 2020.
More recently, Kimo Stamboel’s The Queen of Black Magic was picked up for North American distribution by Lionsgate earlier this year. These successes highlight the growing international appetite for Indonesia’s unique brand of horror, which often blends cultural specificity with universal scare tactics.
Personal reflections for horror aficionados
As a long-time fan of horror cinema, I find the rise of Indonesian horror particularly thrilling. The genre’s ability to weave local folklore with universally terrifying elements creates a rich tapestry of fear that resonates with audiences worldwide. The Draft! promises to be a standout addition to this burgeoning scene, offering a fresh and imaginative take on familiar horror themes.
For those who appreciate the intricate dance between cultural specificity and universal horror, The Draft! is a film to watch. Its international premiere at Fantastic Fest is just the beginning of what I anticipate will be a successful run on the global stage.
Final thoughts
The acquisition of The Draft! by Blue Finch Films is a significant milestone for Indonesian horror cinema. It underscores the genre’s growing appeal and the international community’s recognition of its unique contributions. As we eagerly await the film’s release, it’s clear that Indonesian horror is not just a fleeting trend but a powerful force in the world of cinema.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Draft!.