The world of cinema is about to witness a thrilling innovation with the debut of Indonesia's first virtual production horror film, "Bisikan Desa Gringsing: Whispers of Fatimah." This mysterious tale, directed by Ivander Tedjasukmana, is a collaborative effort between Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, and it promises to revolutionize the way we experience horror on screen.
What makes this film particularly fascinating is its use of virtual production technology. The production team, led by Mandela Pictures and Oceanus Media Global, has embraced this cutting-edge approach, which involves performers working in front of high-resolution LED walls that display photorealistic environments in real time. This technology not only enhances the visual spectacle but also opens up new creative possibilities for Southeast Asian storytelling.
"Bisikan Desa Gringsing" follows the journey of Hesti, played by Aghniny Haque, as she searches for her missing father and finds herself entangled in the cursed village of Desa Gringsing. Here, she encounters the terrifying spirit of Fatimah, portrayed by Fatmah Nahdi, and becomes part of a chilling mystery. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Surya Saputra, Kiki Narendra, and Iskak Khivano, among others.
The production process took place at Iskandar Malaysia Studios in Johor, Malaysia, where the LED volumetric stage provided a unique and immersive environment for the actors. This project received support from various government bodies, including Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, Malaysia's Studios Film Office, and Indonesia's Ministry of Culture, highlighting the collaborative nature of this endeavor.
Manoj Samtani, producer at Mandela Pictures, expressed his delight at the support received, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration behind the film. Nick GC Tan, CEO of OMG Studios, added that virtual production is not just a technological advancement but a new creative language that will shape Indonesian cinema.
World sales for the film are being handled by Mandela Pictures, who are currently meeting with international distributors at the Cannes Film Market. "Bisikan Desa Gringsing" is in post-production and is set for a theatrical release in Indonesia later this year, followed by Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
This project has already garnered attention, having been unveiled by Variety as part of Mandela Pictures' slate at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival Market and Asia TV Forum in 2025. It marks the first title from BN13, Mandela Pictures' new label dedicated to Indonesian horror and folklore IP.
As an analyst, I find it exciting to see how virtual production is pushing the boundaries of cinema. This film's blend of technology and storytelling has the potential to captivate audiences and set a new standard for horror films. It's a testament to the creativity and innovation happening in Southeast Asian cinema, and I'm eager to see how this project will shape the future of the industry.
