and the works of directors like Joko Anwar have elevated Indonesian horror by rooting grand supernatural thrills in deep cultural themes. The Citra Awards & Beyond Citra Awards
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Yet, the momentum is undeniable. For the first time in decades, young Indonesians don’t feel the need to “Westernize” their art to be seen. They’re sampling gamelan in synth-pop. They’re making horror films about pesugihan (black magic pacts). They’re rapping in Javanese and getting millions of streams. For the first time in decades, young Indonesians
have historically captivated nationwide audiences, often reflecting local social issues, family dynamics, and romantic aspirations. Resurgent Cinema: They’re rapping in Javanese and getting millions of
The turning point came with directors like Joko Anwar. His films— Satan’s Slaves (2017), Impetigore (2019), and Satan’s Slaves 2: Communion (2022)—proved that Indonesian horror could be arthouse, socially conscious, and terrifyingly profitable. These films didn't just scare audiences; they broke box office records, outperforming Marvel movies in local theaters.