MD Pictures Unveils Ambitious 2026 Film Slate at JAFF Market

Indonesian production company MD Pictures has announced a significant slate for 2026, prominently featuring a remake of Majid Majidi’s Oscar-nominated film “Children of Heaven.” The adaptation will be directed by Hanung Bramantyo, with young actors Jared Ali and Humaira Jahra portraying the lead siblings, Ali and Zahra. This announcement was made during the JAFF Market, which took place from November 29 to December 1 at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta.

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In addition to “Children of Heaven,” MD Pictures is set to release “Danur the Last Chapter,” the final installment of its successful “Danur” horror franchise, directed by Awi Suryadi. The company has positioned itself as a leader in the Southeast Asian film industry, with CEO Manoj Punjabi expressing ambitions for international expansion and a commitment to producing high-quality films.

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MD Pictures’ 2026 lineup also includes a Korean horror remake titled “Rumah Sakit Angker Korea,” based on the 2018 film “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum,” directed by Anggy Umbara. This film will feature a cast that includes Arbani Yasiz, Elang El Gibran, Saputra Kori, and YouTuber Jang Hansol. Furthermore, Kimo Stamboel, who previously directed “Janur Ireng: Sewu Dino the Sequel,” will return to helm “Ivanna 2,” another entry in the “Danur Universe” franchise.

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The company’s previous success with “KKN di Desa Penari,” which became Indonesia's highest-grossing horror film with over 10 million admissions, underscores its potential for future hits. MD Pictures also launched its streaming platform, MDTV, in early 2025, further diversifying its content distribution.

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Manoj Punjabi, CEO and founder of MD Entertainment, stated, “Our ambition doesn’t stop here – MD can expand internationally even further, proving we are the biggest content powerhouse in Southeast Asia. Whatever good films exist, we will fight for them.” This sentiment reflects the company's strategic focus on remakes and franchise films as a means to solidify its market position.

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While MD Pictures is optimistic about its future, the focus on remakes and franchises has drawn criticism from some industry observers who argue that it may stifle original storytelling in Indonesian cinema. Critics suggest that an over-reliance on adaptations could limit the diversity of narratives presented to audiences.

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As MD Pictures moves forward with its ambitious slate, the industry will be watching closely to see how these projects develop and whether they can replicate the success of previous hits. The company’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in film production will be crucial as it seeks to carve out a larger international presence.

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