EXCLUSIVE: Korean production powerhouse Barunson E&A is making its first move into the burgeoning Indonesian film industry through an investment in Visinema’s upcoming action movie 13 Bombs.
The film, which recently premiered as the closing film at Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival, is directed by Angga Sasongko, who is also the founder of Jakarta-based Visinema, and stars Rio Dewanto, Putri Ayudya, Chicco Kurniawan and Ardhito Pramono. It tells the story of a group of terrorists who plant 13 bombs across key locations in the city of Jakarta. WME Independent recently picked up international rights to the film.
Barunson E&A is one of Korea’s leading production companies with credits including multiple Oscar-winner Parasite and Kim Jee-woon’s black comedy Cobweb, which premiered at this year’s Cannes film festival.
One of a growing number of outward-looking studios in Indonesia, Visinema produces live-action and animated films and TV series and is also involved in streaming, through its Bioskop Online platform, and intellectual property (IP) development. The company had two films premiere at this year’s Busan International Film Festival – 24 Hours With Gaspar, which is also playing at Red Sea International Film Festival, and Ali Topan.
“Barunson E&A is excited to embark on this landmark collaboration with Visinema,” said Barunson E&A CEO Gene Hong Brian Park. “This investment in 13 Bombs is not just a testament to our confidence in the talent of Angga Sasongko and his team, but it also reflects our commitment to fostering creative partnerships across Asia. We believe that this project will not only be a milestone for Indonesian cinema but also a catalyst for more dynamic collaborations in the Asian film industry.”
Sasongko added: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Barunson E&A. Their belief in our vision for 13 Bombs not only reinforces the global appeal of Indonesian cinema but also opens doors for more collaborative ventures in the future.”
Visinema’s collaboration with Barunson highlights a growing trend in the Indonesian film industry towards international partnerships and distribution, infused by an influx of private equity, streamer cash and government support at home. Investment in Indonesian film content increased by 13% to reach $979M, according to a recent report from Media Partners Asia.
Following its premiere at Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival on December 2, 13 Bombs is being scheduled for a theatrical release in Indonesia before the end of the year.
