The highly anticipated Indonesian feature film Para Perasuk held an exclusive pre-screening event at the XXI Epicentrum in South Jakarta on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, ahead of its scheduled nationwide release on April 23. The event featured a prominent appearance by the film’s leading stars, international music icon Anggun C. Sasmi and acclaimed actress-singer Maudy Ayunda, who shared their experiences regarding the rigorous and often grueling production process. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Wregas Bhanuteja, the film explores the supernatural and cultural complexities of a fictional village, demanding high levels of physical and emotional endurance from its cast.
Para Perasuk introduces audiences to the enigmatic Desa Latas, a village steeped in a unique and haunting tradition known as "Pesta Sambetan." This ritual involves a mass possession ceremony where participants are said to be inhabited by twenty distinct animal spirits. The narrative depth of the film, which blends elements of folk horror with psychological drama, required the production team to scout and utilize remote locations that could authentically portray the rugged atmosphere of Desa Latas. However, this commitment to authenticity brought about significant environmental challenges for the actors and crew.
During the exclusive interview session held in partnership with Pantene, Anggun C. Sasmi provided insight into the harsh realities of the filming environment. She noted that the production schedule was relentless, often requiring the cast to move between complex scenes with minimal transition time. The primary adversary for the cast was the climate; the combination of intense tropical heat and pervasive dust created a taxing environment for both the actors’ physical stamina and their personal grooming maintenance. Anggun described a routine where she had to resort to "first aid" measures to manage the physical toll of the heat on her appearance.
Anggun explained that the heat was so intense it became impossible to manage through standard means. Between takes, she frequently applied ice packs to her face to prevent swelling and to soothe skin that was reacting to the extreme temperatures. This was not merely a matter of comfort but a necessity to maintain visual consistency for the camera. Furthermore, she highlighted the struggle of maintaining hair health under such conditions. With constant exposure to dust and sun, her hair required specialized care to remain resilient throughout the weeks of production. The actress emphasized that the contrast between the chaotic, dusty sets and the necessary "glamour" of the characters presented a constant logistical hurdle.
Maudy Ayunda echoed these sentiments, describing her own set of challenges that went beyond the heat. In several pivotal scenes, Maudy was required to interact with the natural elements of the rural setting in ways that were physically demanding and occasionally unhygienic. She recounted instances where she had to be covered in mud or was exposed to water dripping from overhead structures, including chicken coops. The uncertainty of the water’s origin and the tactile discomfort of being covered in grime for hours on end added a layer of difficulty to her performance.
For Maudy, the conclusion of a filming day became a ritual of recovery. She noted that the process of cleansing herself—washing away the mud, dust, and unidentified fluids—was the highlight of her daily routine. The actress shared that the sensory transition from the "sticky and hot" environment of the set to the refreshing experience of a cold shower and hair care routine was essential for her mental and physical well-being. This routine allowed her to reset for the following day’s demands, highlighting the importance of high-quality personal care products in the demanding world of professional filmmaking.
The Cultural Context of Para Perasuk and Desa Latas
The film’s premise is rooted in the rich tapestry of Indonesian folklore, specifically the concept of "Sambetan." In Javanese culture, "Sambetan" often refers to the belief that a person can be "touched" or inhabited by a spirit, often resulting in illness or a trance-like state. By expanding this concept into a "pesta" or festival involving twenty animal spirits, the film creates a vivid, albeit terrifying, cinematic world. This narrative choice places Para Perasuk within a growing trend of Indonesian cinema that seeks to elevate local traditions into high-concept supernatural thrillers.
Industry analysts suggest that the involvement of high-profile figures like Anggun and Maudy Ayunda is a strategic move to broaden the film’s appeal both domestically and internationally. Anggun, who has spent decades as a global ambassador for Indonesian talent, brings a level of international prestige to the project. Maudy Ayunda, known for her intellectual depth and versatile acting, provides a strong emotional core for the story. Their collaboration under the direction of Wregas Bhanuteja—who gained international acclaim with his previous work, such as Penyalin Cahaya (Photocopier)—signals a production of significant artistic ambition.
Production Chronology and Technical Demands
The journey of Para Perasuk from concept to the big screen has been a multi-year endeavor. Pre-production began in late 2024, focusing heavily on the world-building aspects of Desa Latas. The production team spent months researching traditional rituals and animal movements to choreograph the mass possession scenes accurately. Filming took place throughout 2025 in various secluded locations across Indonesia, chosen for their untouched landscapes and atmospheric qualities.
The technical demands of the film were immense. To capture the "Pesta Sambetan," the cinematography team utilized specialized lighting and camera movements to simulate the chaotic energy of a mass trance. The makeup and effects department also faced the challenge of creating the look of twenty different animal spirits without relying solely on digital effects, opting instead for a blend of practical makeup, prosthetics, and physical acting. This commitment to practical effects contributed to the "mud and dust" reality described by the actors, as they were often in the thick of the action rather than in front of a green screen.
Strategic Brand Partnerships in Film Promotion
The pre-screening event also underscored the increasing role of brand partnerships in the Indonesian film industry. The collaboration with Pantene served as a platform for the actors to discuss the intersection of their professional work and personal maintenance. In an industry where an actor’s appearance is part of their professional toolkit, the stresses of a location shoot can have long-term effects. By discussing their hair care and skincare routines, Anggun and Maudy highlighted a relatable aspect of their work, bridging the gap between the supernatural world of the film and the everyday realities of their fans.
Marketing experts note that such partnerships are beneficial for both parties. For the film, it provides additional promotional avenues and high-profile events. For the brand, it aligns their products with the resilience and beauty of respected public figures. The narrative of "maintaining strength under pressure"—whether it be the strength of one’s hair or the strength of one’s character in a horror film—creates a cohesive marketing message that resonates with a wide audience.
Broader Implications for the Indonesian Film Industry
The release of Para Perasuk is expected to be a significant milestone for the Indonesian film industry in 2026. Over the past decade, the domestic market has seen a surge in the quality and quantity of locally produced films, with horror and supernatural thrillers leading the charge in terms of box office revenue. However, Para Perasuk aims to distinguish itself by moving beyond simple "jump scares" and focusing on deep-seated cultural fears and high-concept storytelling.
The film’s success would further validate the "auteur" approach to genre filmmaking in Indonesia, where directors like Wregas Bhanuteja are given the creative freedom to explore complex themes within a commercial framework. Furthermore, the participation of an international figure like Anggun suggests that Indonesian films are increasingly being viewed as viable products for the global market, capable of attracting talent and audiences beyond Southeast Asia.
As the April 23 release date approaches, the buzz surrounding Para Perasuk continues to grow. The anecdotes shared by Anggun and Maudy Ayunda regarding the "torturous" but rewarding filming process have only added to the intrigue. Audiences are eager to see how the extreme conditions of the production translated into the final cinematic experience and how the haunting traditions of Desa Latas will be brought to life on the silver screen.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Para Perasuk stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indonesian cinema, where traditional folklore meets modern production standards. The physical sacrifices made by the cast, from enduring extreme heat to being covered in the grime of a rural set, reflect a dedication to the craft that is becoming a hallmark of the country’s top-tier productions. With a star-studded cast, a visionary director, and a narrative rooted in the deep cultural psyche of the region, the film is poised to be both a critical and commercial landmark.
Following its Indonesian premiere, there are reports that Para Perasuk will be submitted to several international film festivals, continuing the trend of Indonesian cinema making waves on the global stage. For now, the domestic audience awaits the chance to enter Desa Latas and witness the "Pesta Sambetan" for themselves, knowing that the polished performances they see on screen were forged in the heat, dust, and mud of a truly challenging production.
