Global sales, production and financing company EST N8 has acquired Indonesian horror film “Hutang Nyawa”, scheduled for release on December 12. The acquisition took place during the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF).
Directed by Billy Christian, a filmmaker with more than a decade of horror films under his belt, “Hutang Nyawa” tells the story of Erwina, the youngest member of a family who is sent to work in an old factory. She soon discovers that she was offered up as a sacrifice to settle her family’s dark debt to Satan. Christian’s latest project “Motel Melati” participated in the Sitges Film Festival.
The film stars Taskia Namiya, known for Netflix’s action film ‘The Shadow Strays’ and horror film ‘Suzzana’, alongside Rachel Venia, a social media influencer, who is making her acting debut in the genre. It is produced by Visinema Pictures, the studio behind hits like “Filosofi Kopi” and “Keluarga Cemara.”
The acquisition of “Hutang Nyawa” was brokered by Tenten Wei, Sophie Shi and Cathy Ni of EST N8. EST N8’s Asian credits include Awi Suryadi’s horror film “Perewangan,” Kongkiat Komesiri’s thriller “Delivery Man” and Korean action film “Mash Ville,” which won the Fantasia Award for Best Director.
“Hutang Nyawa is a thrilling and chilling masterpiece that highlights the power of Indonesian cinema. Billy Christian’s vision and outstanding cast make it a film worth seeing,” said Jason Ma, President of EST Studios.
Founded in 2022 by Jason Ma and Eric To, EST Studios focuses on representing diverse Asian stories in the international market. The company’s current slate includes a range of projects highlighting Asian filmmakers and stories, such as the Oscar-shortlisted documentary “Hidden Letters” and Toronto selection “K-Pops!”
Founded in 2023 by Chris Iamsakulrat and Rachel Wai Wu, N8 has been involved in notable film projects in Southeast Asia, including co-production of the Thai horror film “Home For Rent” and Bhutan’s Oscar submission “The Monk and The Gun.” Upcoming projects include “Heals,” a documentary produced in partnership with World of Wonder, and “A Useful Ghost,” a supernatural thriller directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke.