Indonesian Horror Hit ‘Pabrik Gula’ Gets 2028 Sequel as MD Entertainment Lines Up Three Imax Films

The Indonesian film industry has reached a new milestone, with the studio‑giant MD Entertainment announcing that a sequel to its 2025 horror sensation “Pabrik Gula” will arrive in early 2028. The news was delivered by Astrid Wienardi, MD’s head of content licensing and global business, during a keynote address at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei, a gathering that brought together distributors, producers and technology partners from across the Asia‑Pacific region. In the same speech, Wienardi revealed a broader strategy for the company, including the release of three IMAX‑formatted titles in 2027, all of which aim to leverage the growing appetite for high‑definition cinematic experiences in Southeast Asia.“Pabrik Gula” began life as a low‑budget production, but its atmospheric tension, striking set design and compelling narrative about a haunted sugar factory captured audiences worldwide..

Within its first year of release it had grossed more than US$50 million at the domestic box office, a figure that eclipsed the studio’s previous best‑performing titles. It also saw significant success on streaming platforms, with an estimated 8.5 million viewers in the first month on a popular Indonesian‑based service. The film’s popularity sparked a surge in interest in horror titles that blend local folklore with modern production techniques, and MD has seized the opportunity to build a franchise around the narrative world created in the original.The sequel, currently titled “Pabrik Gula: The Awakening”, is said to explore the aftermath of the supernatural events that unfolded in the first film..

“We’re taking the audience deeper into the mythology of the sugar factory,” Wienardi explained. “The first film was a gateway into a world that resonates with people on a cultural level, and the sequel will expand that world while maintaining the same level of visual and emotional intensity.” The company is reportedly working closely with the original director and screenwriter to preserve the creative vision that made the first installment a hit. Production is slated to begin in late 2025, with principal photography expected to last twelve months before a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2028.MD Entertainment’s IMAX plans for 2027 mark a significant departure from its previous release strategy, which largely focused on theatrical and streaming releases in the Southeast Asian market..

The studio intends to launch three IMAX titles in that year, including the upcoming sequel, a biographical drama about a renowned Indonesian composer, and a science‑fiction epic set in a post‑apocalyptic Jakarta. Wienardi noted that the company has partnered with IMAX Corporation to secure the necessary technology and distribution channels, and that the three projects are scheduled for staggered releases to maximise audience reach. “We want to ensure that each film gets the attention it deserves, rather than competing for the same window,” she said.The decision to invest in IMAX comes as part of a larger trend in the region, where audiences have demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for immersive cinema experiences..

According to a recent market survey by the Asian Film Association, 65 per cent of moviegoers in Indonesia and neighbouring countries have stated that they prefer high‑definition formats such as IMAX for blockbuster releases. This trend has been further amplified by the COVID‑19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift towards digital and high‑quality home viewing. By offering a range of formats—from IMAX to standard 2D—MD Entertainment aims to capture both niche and mainstream audiences.Beyond the new releases, MD has also announced a broader content strategy that focuses on cross‑platform storytelling..

The studio plans to develop a series of spin‑off media, including a limited‑episode web series set in the “Pabrik Gula” universe, a graphic novel adaptation, and interactive mobile games. “We are looking to create a sustainable ecosystem around our intellectual properties,” Wienardi said. “By expanding into different media, we can engage fans across multiple platforms and generate additional revenue streams.” The company is also negotiating distribution deals with major streaming services in the United States and Europe, hoping to secure a global audience for its projects.The 2028 release of “Pabrik Gula: The Awakening” will be accompanied by a robust marketing campaign that leverages both traditional and digital media..

MD Entertainment has already secured partnerships with leading social media platforms and influencers in Southeast Asia, and will deploy a series of teaser trailers, behind‑the‑scenes videos and interactive fan events. The studio’s marketing chief, a veteran of the industry, emphasised that the campaign would aim to “re‑ignite the excitement” generated by the original film and to attract a new generation of horror enthusiasts. “We are building a narrative that is both terrifying and emotionally resonant,” she said, “and we are confident that the audience will return to the cinema for a truly immersive experience.”The company’s forward‑looking approach is not without challenges..

The Indonesian film market remains highly competitive, with local and international titles vying for box‑office share. Moreover, the transition to IMAX requires significant investment in infrastructure and training, which could strain the studio’s resources if not managed carefully. However, MD Entertainment has expressed confidence that its strong brand reputation, combined with strategic partnerships and a diversified content pipeline, will mitigate these risks..

The studio’s CEO, who declined to be named, stated that the company’s long‑term vision involves expanding beyond Southeast Asia to tap into the global appetite for Asian cinema.In conclusion, MD Entertainment’s announcement of a sequel to “Pabrik Gula” and its IMAX strategy for 2027 signals a bold step toward cementing its position as a leading player in the Indonesian film industry. By balancing commercial ambition with creative integrity, the studio hopes to deliver cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences both at home and abroad. The success of the forthcoming releases will not only test the studio’s capacity to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market but also shape the trajectory of horror cinema in the region..