The upcoming horror film ‘Bisikan Desa Gringsing: Whispers of Fatimah’ reveals its first-look video and confirms a September release in Indonesian theaters.
New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: The mystery horror feature "Bisikan Desa Gringsing: Whispers of Fatimah" has released its first-look video and locked in a September Indonesian theatrical opening, producers Mandela Pictures and Oceanus Media Global (OMG Studios) have revealed. This film is poised to add to the rich tapestry of Indonesian cinema, particularly in the horror genre, which has gained significant traction both domestically and internationally in recent years.
The story centers on Hesti, a young woman hunting for her missing father who finds herself drawn into the terror surrounding Fatimah’s restless spirit, a presence said to have haunted the isolated village of Desa Gringsing for generations. This narrative taps into the cultural and spiritual beliefs prevalent in Indonesia, where folklore and ghost stories often intertwine with the everyday lives of its people. The legend of Fatimah is likely to resonate with audiences familiar with local myths, serving as a bridge between traditional narratives and modern storytelling.
The clip introduces Hesti – played by Aghniny Haque – as she comes face to face for the first time with the spectral Fatimah, portrayed by Fatmah Nadhi. The visual presentation in the first-look video suggests a meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the film’s commitment to creating an immersive horror experience. The use of atmospheric elements such as fog and shadowy figures is indicative of the genre's conventions while also promising a unique interpretation shaped by local cultural elements.
Directed and written by Ivander Tedjasukmana, the film is a three-territory co-production involving Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. This collaboration is significant as it showcases the growing trend of cross-border partnerships in Southeast Asian cinema, which can lead to more diverse storytelling and shared resources. It is one of the first Indonesian horror features shot using virtual production technology, employing a LED volumetric stage. Rather than location shoots or conventional green screens, the production used high-resolution LED walls displaying photorealistic digital environments in real time to recreate the mist-heavy pathways and supernatural atmosphere of the cursed village of Desa Gringsing.
“It’s an honor to be entrusted with a project utilizing virtual production technology,” Tedjasukmana said. “Working on ‘Bisikan Desa Gringsing’ presented new challenges – not only for me, but also for the cast and nearly every department involved. Fortunately, Mandela Pictures and OMG Studios is an exceptional team whose expertise allowed us to overcome every obstacle. I hope audiences will experience the results of that effort when they see the film in theaters.”
Tedjasukmana's comments reflect a growing trend in the film industry where technology is increasingly being integrated into the creative process. The use of virtual production not only enhances visual storytelling but also allows filmmakers to explore imaginative worlds that may be difficult or impossible to create through traditional means. This approach could potentially set a new standard for future Indonesian films, particularly in the horror genre, which thrives on atmospheric settings and visual storytelling.
“Playing Hesti was my first experience working on a virtual production,” Haque added. “On one hand, it was exciting because multiple locations could be created within a single stage. But it also demanded a completely different acting approach. It challenged me to develop new techniques, and ultimately became an opportunity to explore a different dimension of my craft.”
The ensemble cast includes Surya Saputra, Kiki Narendra, Iskak Khivano, Hesti Putri, Nina Tamam, Iyang Darmawan, Akun Gege, and Mian Tiara. Each actor brings their unique talents to the film, enhancing the overall narrative and emotional depth. The collaborative nature of this project, with actors from diverse backgrounds, underscores the potential for rich character development and storytelling.
With post-production now in its closing phase, “Bisikan Desa Gringsing” will open in Indonesian cinemas on Sept. 24, followed by releases in Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The staggered release strategy indicates a strategic approach to capturing audience interest across different markets, particularly in regions with a burgeoning interest in Southeast Asian cinema.
Producers are Manoj K. Samtani, Deepak M. Samtani, Lachman G. Samtani, Nick GC Tan, Chan Pui Yin, and Yogi Arifiandy. The production was supported by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Studios Film Office (SFO), and Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture. The involvement of these organizations highlights the importance of governmental and institutional support in fostering local film industries, particularly in the context of innovative projects that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.
OMG Studios’ virtual production stage is housed at Iskandar Malaysia Studios (IMS) in Johor, Malaysia, a Khazanah Nasional-backed facility. This underscores the significance of infrastructure investment in the creative industries, which can lead to enhanced production capabilities and attract international projects. The collaboration between Indonesian and Malaysian studios reflects a growing trend in Southeast Asia to leverage each country's strengths to create compelling content that appeals to a broader audience.
The release of "Bisikan Desa Gringsing: Whispers of Fatimah" is not just a significant moment for the filmmakers and cast involved; it also serves as a potential catalyst for the Indonesian film industry. As the horror genre continues to thrive, the success of this film could pave the way for more innovative projects that utilize cutting-edge technology, thereby attracting both local and international audiences. Furthermore, it may inspire other filmmakers in the region to explore the use of virtual production, thus expanding the creative possibilities within Southeast Asian cinema.
In conclusion, as anticipation builds for the film’s release, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this blend of traditional horror storytelling and modern filmmaking technology. The film not only aims to entertain but also to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Indonesian film landscape, marking a significant step forward in the integration of technology and storytelling.
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