EXCLUSIVE: International action star Iko Uwais, known for The Raid, Expendables and Skyline franchises, is officially launching his production label Uwais Pictures with two new films on sale at next month’s EFM in Berlin.
The action-focused production company he runs with his team of collaborators is expanding its remit to the global market. The aim is to replicate the success of modestly budgeted, local-language hits such as The Raid, The Raid: Redemption, and The Night Comes for Us.
First up on the slate are two completed action films: Timur, which is inspired by the 1996 Mapenduma hostage crisis, and Ikatan Darah. Both will be screened at the EFM by Uwais Pictures in collaboration with Gersh.
Indonesia-based action outfit Uwais Pictures specialises in incorporating fight choreography, action design, and stunt performance from the inception of its projects. Uwais and his team of collaborators have worked together for a number of years. Along with Iko Uwais, who serves as Chairman, Uwais Pictures will be led by Ryan Santoso, Chief Executive Producer, along with Yentonius Jerriel Ho, Chief Executive Producer; and Adamy Nurdin, Chief Operating Officer.
Timur is an action-thriller that follows the real-life international hostage crisis that took place in Mapenduma in 1996. The subsequent rescue operation was overseen by now-Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The film is Uwais’ directorial debut and the first action film co-produced out of Indonesia. Uwais also stars. Ikatan Darah is a local-language action film in which a former martial arts athlete must face a network of loan sharks to save her younger brother, who is trapped in online gambling debt and risking their family’s safety.
Uwais is also known for his roles in films such as Snake Eyes, Stuber, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Netflix show Wu Assassins in which he starred, executive-produced and served as the lead fight choreographer.
“I am excited to unleash the next phase of Uwais Pictures with the release of Timur and Ikatan Darah,” said Uwais. “We are bringing a new style of action movies for audiences around the world.”
