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In a significant move for the film industry, Mandela Pictures from Indonesia has partnered with Desert Bloom Pictures, which operates in Korea and Los Angeles. This collaboration was announced during the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta. The aim is to develop a pipeline of diverse cinematic projects that connect the vibrant cultures of Indonesia, Korea, and Hollywood.
The partnership is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies. Desert Bloom brings an impressive portfolio of Korean blockbusters, while Mandela Pictures has extensive knowledge of the Southeast Asian market, particularly in Indonesia, known for being the largest theatrical market in the region.
Exploring the initial film slate
The first phase of this partnership includes a slate of four projects. One highlight is tentatively titled “Ugly Duckling”, which is being developed as a co-production between Indonesia and Korea. This film will explore themes of identity and self-image in the age of social media, specifically targeting Indonesian audiences. It aims to blend humor and drama to appeal to a wide range of viewers.
Adapting international IP for local audiences
In addition to “Ugly Duckling”, the partnership plans to produce two more films set in Indonesia that will adapt existing intellectual properties from the U.S. or Korea. These adaptations will resonate with local viewers by incorporating Indonesian cultural elements and settings into popular narratives, providing a fresh perspective.
The final project in this slate is an untitled horror film inspired by Mandela’s newly established genre label, BN13. This film is primarily aimed at theatrical release in Korea and is expected to attract international genre enthusiasts.
Creating a cross-border studio ecosystem
According to Lavesh Samtani, COO of Mandela Pictures, the aim of this partnership extends beyond co-productions. He stated, “We wanted to establish a comprehensive film slate that would allow us to cultivate stories rooted in Indonesia yet relatable to audiences in Jakarta, Seoul, and Los Angeles.”
Jennice Lee, CEO of Desert Bloom Pictures, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting Indonesia’s potential as a burgeoning market. She emphasized the importance of pairing local insights with the extensive networks and intellectual properties from Korea and Hollywood. This synergy is expected to foster a long-term studio ecosystem that transcends borders.
Fostering talent exchange
A notable aspect of this collaboration is the talent exchange initiative. Plans are in place to invite Korean writers, directors, and creative executives to work alongside Indonesian teams, fostering creativity and collaboration in writers’ rooms and on set. This exchange will also provide valuable opportunities for Indonesian talent to engage with Korean productions, enriching the creative landscape.
Mandela Pictures launches horror genre studio BN13
In a related development, Mandela Pictures has unveiled a new horror genre studio called BN13, dedicated to creating content inspired by Indonesian folklore and mythology. This initiative aims to produce a variety of horror and genre films that resonate with local audiences while exploring universal themes.
The initial slate from BN13 includes titles such as “Bisikan Desa Gringsing — Whisper of Fatimah”, marking a milestone as the first horror co-production involving Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. This project is notable for utilizing virtual production technology, showcasing Mandela’s commitment to innovation in filmmaking.
Future projects and cultural storytelling
The partnership is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies. Desert Bloom brings an impressive portfolio of Korean blockbusters, while Mandela Pictures has extensive knowledge of the Southeast Asian market, particularly in Indonesia, known for being the largest theatrical market in the region.0
The partnership is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies. Desert Bloom brings an impressive portfolio of Korean blockbusters, while Mandela Pictures has extensive knowledge of the Southeast Asian market, particularly in Indonesia, known for being the largest theatrical market in the region.1