Indonesia Virtual Production Horror Film ‘Whispers of Fatimah’ Launches First Images at Cannes Film Market (EXCLUSIVE)

Mandela Pictures and Oceanus Media Global have launched first stills from “Bisikan Desa Gringsing: Whispers of Fatimah” at the Cannes Film Market, marking the international debut of what is billed as the one of the first Indonesian horror features to be shot using virtual production technology.

Directed by Ivander Tedjasukmana, the mystery horror is a three-way co-production between Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

The film follows Hesti, played by Aghniny Haque, a woman searching for her missing father whose path leads her to the cursed village of Desa Gringsing, where she becomes enmeshed in the terror of a restless spirit named Fatimah, portrayed by Fatmah Nahdi. The ensemble cast also includes Surya Saputra, Kiki Narendra, Iskak Khivano, Hesti Putri, Nina Tamam, Iyang Darmawan, Akun Gege and Mian Tiara.

Production took place on OMG Studios’ LED volumetric stage at Iskandar Malaysia Studios in Johor, Malaysia, where performers work before large high-resolution LED walls running photorealistic environments in real time. The project drew government support from Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority, Malaysia’s Studios Film Office through its FIMI+ incentive program and Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture.

“We are delighted to have the support of our partner, Nick Tan and team at OMG Studios, and we hope that the spirit of collaboration behind this project will also be felt by audiences when the film reaches theatres,” said Manoj Samtani, producer at Mandela Pictures.

“Virtual production is not just a technology – it is a new creative language for Southeast Asian storytelling, and we are proud to be pioneering its use in Indonesian cinema alongside our partners,” added Nick GC Tan, CEO of OMG Studios.

World sales are being handled directly by Mandela Pictures, which is meeting with international distributors at the market. The film, currently in post-production, is set for theatrical release in Indonesia later this year, followed by Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The project had previously been unveiled by Variety as part of Mandela Pictures’ slate at Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival Market 2025 and Asia TV Forum 2025. It is the first title from BN13, Mandela Pictures’ new label focused on Indonesian horror and folklore IP.