Jakarta.Opsjurnal.asia - Monster Hair Factory offers a unique retro-horror cinematic experience, honestly portraying the anxieties of millions of workers regarding the normalization of excessive overtime and chronic sleep deprivation.
A press screening and press conference for Monster Hair Factory was held at Studio 2, XXI Epicentrum, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Monday (June 1, 2026). The film is scheduled for nationwide release in Indonesian theaters on June 4, 2026.
Produced by Palari Films and directed by Edwin, the film stars Rachel Amanda, Lutesha, Iqbaal Ramadhan, Didik Nini Thowok, Sal Priadi, and Kev. The film delivers a retro fantasy-horror experience set within a hair factory, exploring the lives of workers suffering from severe sleep deprivation.
Produced by Meiske Taurisia and Muhammad Zaidy, Monster Hair Factory is an international co-production involving five countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Germany, and France.
The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival and has since been screened at several international film festivals, including the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and the Hong Kong International Film Festival. It is also scheduled to be featured at the upcoming Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Canada.
Synopsis
Putri (Rachel Amanda) loses her mother, who dies after going without sleep for several days due to relentless day-and-night work. According to Maryati (Didik Nini Thowok), the factory owner, her mother died by suicide.
Initially, Putri believes this explanation. However, her younger sister Ida (Lutesha) insists that their mother was possessed by a dark entity. Determined to prove her claim, Ida begins working overtime and deliberately stays awake for days in hopes of encountering the mysterious black figure that she believes took control of their mother's body.
Meanwhile, their youngest sibling, Bona (Iqbaal Ramadhan), possesses an extraordinary ability: he can regenerate parts of his body. When the dark entity captures Bona, Putri and Ida must confront unimaginable horrors to save him.
A Different Kind of Indonesian Horror
Speaking during the press conference, Iqbaal Ramadhan explained that Monster Hair Factory distinguishes itself from conventional Indonesian horror films through its use of the Digital-to-Film-to-Digital (DFD) technique.
"The film was shot using digital cameras, then transferred onto film stock before being scanned back into a digital format for theatrical release. This process creates a distinctive visual texture and cinematic atmosphere," he explained.
As a filmmaker whose works have received international recognition at numerous film festivals and award ceremonies, Edwin once again introduces a fresh cinematic approach through visual experimentation and innovative storytelling.
Rather than relying on supernatural horror alone, the film critiques the glorification of hustle culture, drawing fear and tension from the realities of everyday working life and the consequences of chronic exhaustion.
Creating a Retro Horror World
For the production design, Edwin collaborated with Menfo Tantono, winner of the Best Art Direction award at the 2024 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI).
Together, they transformed the PFN studio into a massive hair factory, utilizing approximately two truckloads of real hair, along with mannequins, prosthetics, nail combs, and various elements commonly found in real-world wig and hair-production factories. The result is a visually immersive retro-fantasy horror environment unlike anything previously seen in Indonesian cinema.
Producers' Perspective
According to producer Meiske Taurisia:
"For Palari Films, making a horror film was a creative necessity—a chance to explore new artistic territory while enriching Indonesia's horror film landscape. The idea originated when Edwin remarked that our workplaces can sometimes feel more terrifying than horror movies themselves. It's a feeling many of us have experienced."
Edwin also expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
"The collaboration was incredibly solid and enjoyable. We hope the film resonates with audiences who share concerns about creating healthier and more humane work environments."
Monster Hair Factory will be released in Indonesian theaters on June 4, 2026.
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Journalist: Ine
