Indonesian actors prepare for new horror-comedy film releases

Indonesian cinema is seeing a rise in horror-comedy productions with the upcoming films ‘Ghosthing’ and ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’.

In ‘Ghosthing’, directed by Arie Azis, actor Baskara Mahendra portrays Alvian, an indigo character working as a mortician. To prepare for the specialized role, Mahendra participated in makeup workshops to learn the technical skills required for corpse beautification. Mahendra noted that the character's emotional depth, specifically a profound longing for his mother, was a primary motivator for accepting the role.

Meanwhile, comedian Aci Resti makes her horror-comedy debut in ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’, directed by Imam Darto. Resti plays Tintin, a relaxed character who provides comedic relief alongside Endy Arfian’s perfectionist character, Raka. The film explores Chinese traditions surrounding the period when spirits return to the human world to receive offerings and prayers.