Joko's horror film thrills with top festival prize

JAKARTA: Indonesian horror films might have a reputation for appealing to the lowest common denominator, but that's a stereotype Joko Anwar has just succeeded in smashing.

The director proved that the genre can be treated - and taken - more seriously and gather critical acclaim when his horror/slasher got more than just screams at a recent film festival.

Chosen as the Best of Puchon, Joko's Pintu Terlarang (The Forbidden Door), which was released in Indonesia earlier this year, received the appreciation it is due at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.

Known as PiFan, the festival, which first opened in 1997, is an annual event that focuses on horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy films from South Korea and across the world. It seeks particularly to draw attention to Asian cinema, especially films from East Asia and Southeast Asia.

The movie itself was an adaptation of a novel of the same title, written by Sekar Ayu Asmara. In addition to its local premiere, the movie was screened for the first time overseas at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

Starring Fachri Alba and Marsha Timothy, Pintu Terlarang tells the story of a sculptor who receives mysterious messages. One reviewer wrote of the film that it would make Hitchcock proud. It is Joko's second foray into the horror genre, following his 2007 film Kala. - JP