Joko Anwar’s Ghost in the Cell Targets Corruption in Prison Horror at Berlin

Indonesian director Joko Anwar has entered his latest film, Ghost in the Cell, into the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival in 2026. The movie, a mix of horror and comedy, is set in a high-security prison called Labuan Angsana. There, inmates face rival gangs, crooked guards, and now vengeful ghosts that spark gruesome murders. Anwar uses these supernatural elements to point at bigger issues like corruption and environmental damage in society.

Background

Joko Anwar has built a name in Indonesian cinema with films that blend genres to tackle real-world problems. His past works often mix horror, comedy, and social commentary. Ghost in the Cell fits this pattern. It comes from Come and See Pictures and Rapi Films, with co-production from South Korea's Barunson E&A. The cast includes well-known actors like Abimana Aryasatya, Bront Palarae, Lukman Sardi, and Tora Sudiro, along with others such as Dimas Danang, Endy Arfian, Mike Lucock, and Morgan Oey.

The story unfolds in Labuan Angsana, one of Indonesia's toughest prisons. Survival there is hard even without ghosts. Inmates deal with daily fights between gangs and abuse from guards. A tyrannical warden runs the place with an iron fist. Then, a wave of murders starts. Bodies turn up in shocking displays, and the supernatural force behind them does not just scare—it demands accountability.

Anwar has spoken about how he sees horror-comedy as a tool to expose deep flaws in society. The film channels fears about how systems fail people, from corrupt officials to destroyed environments. Prisons become a microcosm for these troubles. Inmates talk in the trailer about a country where hard work does not pay off, and connections matter more. One line stands out: a prisoner says plans for after release are useless because the nation rewards the wrong things.

This is not Anwar's first time at international festivals. His style has earned him fans worldwide. Berlin's Forum section picked the film for its political edge in fiction. The festival, set for 2026, highlights works that push boundaries. Organizers note how Anwar's entry shows the Forum's focus on bold storytelling.

Key Details

The plot centers on the prison's chaos. Guards mistreat inmates, and gangs clash for control. The warden keeps everyone in line through fear. When ghosts appear, they target those who deserve it. Victims die in gruesome ways, with bodies arranged for maximum shock. The living scramble to survive while uncovering the ghosts' reasons.

Cast and Crew Highlights

Anwar directs and co-writes with Tia Hasibuan. The ensemble cast brings depth to the characters. Abimana Aryasatya plays a key inmate navigating the dangers. Bront Palarae and Tora Sudiro add star power from their past roles in Indonesian hits. Newer faces like Yoga Pratama and Rio Dewanto fill out the roster. Production involved teams from Indonesia and South Korea, blending styles.

The teaser trailer gives a taste of the tone. It shows crowded cells, tense talks, and hints of the supernatural. Inmates banter about life after prison, but bitterness runs deep. One scene has a man warning about trouble: "Kalian yang menentukan apakah hari kalian berjalan lancar atau penuh masalah." Guards bark orders, and shadows suggest worse is coming. The tagline asks what happens when a jammed prison holds not just criminals, but resentful ghosts.

Anwar aims for laughs mixed with unease. He wants viewers to chuckle at the comedy but feel the weight of the message. The film runs as a thriller, with prison breaks and fights ramping up the action. Supernatural rules bend to serve the story, making ghosts agents of justice rather than random killers.

Festival details confirm the premiere in Berlin's Forum. This section features films with strong political or artistic statements. Ghost in the Cell joins other titles in Forum Expanded and the Co-Production Market. Screenings start in February 2026, drawing filmmakers, critics, and buyers from around the world.

"Laughter should come with discomfort." – Joko Anwar

What This Means

Ghost in the Cell arrives at a time when global audiences seek films that mirror real struggles. Indonesia faces ongoing debates about prison conditions, corruption scandals, and environmental fights. Anwar's work puts these on screen in a way that entertains while informing. The Berlin slot boosts its reach, potentially leading to wider releases.

For Indonesian cinema, this is a win. It shows how local stories can compete internationally. Anwar's genre mix appeals to younger viewers who want more than straight dramas. Prisons worldwide share similar issues—overcrowding, abuse, lack of reform. The film could spark talks on these topics beyond entertainment.

Distributors may eye it for streaming or theaters. Past Anwar films found homes on platforms like Netflix. Success at Berlin often means awards buzz and festival circuit runs. Inmates' lines about a broken system resonate anywhere inequality persists.

The supernatural twist offers fresh takes on accountability. Ghosts force characters—and viewers—to face truths they ignore. In a prison symbolizing societal rot, escape is not just physical. Anwar suggests fighting where you stand, as one trailer voice says: "Bagi sebagian kita, kabur bukan pilihan. Di mana kita berada, di situ kita perjuangkan hidup kita!"

This approach sets the film apart from pure horror. It uses scares to highlight human failings. Berlin audiences, known for deep discussions, will likely engage with its layers. For Anwar, it's another step in building a career that bridges entertainment and activism through film.

The production wrapped before the festival announcement. Crews filmed in locations mimicking real prisons, adding grit. Sound design amps up tension with eerie effects and raw dialogue. Editors balanced comedy beats with horror jumps.

Viewers can expect a runtime packed with twists. Supporting characters drive subplots, from gang loyalties to guard corruption. The warden's role looms large, his tyranny clashing with ghostly revenge. By the end, the prison transforms, reflecting broader change—or lack of it.

Anwar's fans wait eagerly. His track record promises quality. Berlin 2026 positions Ghost in the Cell as a standout, blending fun with hard questions about justice and power.