Ghost in the Cell opens in Indonesian cinemas starting April 16, 2026
The latest satirical horror-comedy from acclaimed Indonesian writer and director Joko Anwar, Ghost in the Cell, received an electrifying response at its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2026.
Excitement for the film was evident even before its debut, as tickets for all scheduled screenings sold out quickly. During its world premiere, Ghost in the Cell earned thunderous applause and overwhelming praise from audiences.
At Berlinale 2026, the film was showcased in the prestigious Forum section, a program known for curating bold, visionary films with strong cinematic identity and sharp social and political commentary. Ghost in the Cell screened four times throughout the festival, which ran from February 13–22, 2026.
A Horror Comedy with Sharp Social Commentary
“We wanted to create a film that is truly entertaining. But once the film ends, we hope something lingers in the audience’s mind about the realities of life in Indonesia,” said Joko Anwar.
The Berlinale audience response reflected that intention. Viewers laughed out loud and applauded throughout the screening. During the Q&A session, audience members described Ghost in the Cell as a “masterpiece,” “incredibly funny,” “terrifying,” and “packed with sharp political and social punches.”
In this latest work, Joko Anwar once again reinvents supernatural horror — a genre he has continuously refreshed over the past decade. However, in Ghost in the Cell, the horror elements feel inevitable rather than purely entertaining. The director emphasizes deeper character exploration rather than relying solely on production design and atmospheric sets.
“This is our most entertaining film so far — but also our most reflective,” Joko added.
View this post on Instagram
Strong International Reception at Berlinale
Producer Tia Hasibuan expressed relief and pride following the enthusiastic reception from international audiences.
“The story in this film strongly reflects Indonesia’s current social dynamics. Yet seeing how international audiences at Berlinale responded proves that this satirical horror-comedy resonates beyond Indonesia. We hope this positive reception continues when the film opens nationwide on April 16, 2026.”
The strong reception at Berlinale positions Ghost in the Cell as one of the most anticipated Indonesian films of 2026.
View this post on Instagram
Joko Anwar’s Latest Cinematic Achievement
Ghost in the Cell marks the newest cinematic offering from Joko Anwar, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated filmmakers. Late last year, he was awarded the prestigious French cultural honor, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, recognizing his artistic contributions and two-decade impact on Indonesian cinema.
His previous film, Pengepungan di Bukit Duri, dominated the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), winning five Citra Awards, and also secured three honors at the Tempo Film Festival.
With Ghost in the Cell, Joko Anwar continues to solidify his reputation as a master of genre filmmaking—blending horror, satire, and social critique into a compelling cinematic experience.
