Netflix SEA
Netflix has become a production powerhouse in South East Asia in less than a decade. The streamer recently held a showcase in Jakarta, Indonesia, where it unveiled its latest original local films and series. Through aggressive investment in producing originals, Netflix has gained a market leading position in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The showcase on June 13 highlighted upcoming projects from these three countries, including zombie projects, a period sex comedy, Thai sci-fi, horror, action, and a serial killer thriller.
One of the biggest announcements at the showcase was the reveal of “Abadi Nan Jaya,” an Indonesian zombie feature directed by filmmaker Kimo Stamboel. This project marks Indonesia’s first-ever zombie feature and boasts an extensive production budget. Set in a remote village near Yogyakarta, the film follows a dysfunctional family running a herbal medicine business that inadvertently triggers a zombie outbreak. “Abadi Nan Jaya” is slated for release in 2025.
Another notable title showcased was the crime drama “Borderless Fog” from Indonesian filmmaker Edwin. The story follows a female detective investigating serial murders in a remote province in Borneo. Shot on location in Kalimantan, the film combines elements of crime thriller and horror. “Borderless Fog” is expected to release sometime in 2024.
Netflix also presented “Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams,” a horror anthology series from Indonesian director Joko Anwar. The series features supernatural events spanning from 1985 to 2022, with interconnected storylines. “Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams” premiered on June 14 and has already become a hit in Indonesia.
From the Philippines, Netflix showcased “Outside,” a zombie feature set in a remote province. The film follows a family trying to survive a zombie outbreak at the father’s childhood farmhouse. Directed by Carlo Ledesma, “Outside” is expected to release in 2024.
In Thailand, Netflix presented “Doctor Climax,” a period sex comedy set in the 1970s. The series follows a skin doctor who becomes an anonymous sex columnist for a national newspaper. Created by Ekachai Uekrongtham, the show debuted in June and has already topped the Netflix charts in Thailand.
Lastly, Netflix teased “The Shadow Strays,” an action film directed by Timo Tjahjanto. The story follows a trained assassin who sets out on a path of destruction to rescue a young boy. “The Shadow Strays” is expected to release in 2024.
/Digital Sauce
- Netflix has become a production powerhouse in South East Asia
- The showcase in Jakarta featured original local films and series
- Netflix has gained market leading position in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines
- Highlights from the showcase include two zombie projects, a period sex comedy, Thai sci-fi, horror, action, and a serial killer thriller
- Titles showcased include Abadi Nan Jaya, Borderless Fog, Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams, Outside, The Shadow Strays, Doctor Climax, and Tomorrow and I
- Release dates range from 2024 to 2025 for the showcased titles
