Labinak: They Are Here – A Chilling Tale of Cannibalism Wrapped in Fresh Local Nuances

By Ine | Bureau Chief for DKI Jakarta
Edited by Kenzo | Aswinnews.com – Sharp, Accurate, Reliable, Balanced, and Up-to-Date

Jakarta – Aswinnews.com
Anami Films is set to deliver a spine-chilling cinematic experience with its upcoming horror release, Labinak: They Are Here — a story steeped in the eerie world of an ancient sect that practices cannibalism as a ritual to achieve eternal life.

Produced by Prakash Chugani, Deepak Chugani, and Dilip Chugani, and directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis, the film blends horror with sharp social commentary, offering a uniquely local yet universally resonant narrative.

A press conference and media screening for Labinak: They Are Here took place on Tuesday (12/8) at Studio 2, XXI Plaza Senayan. The film is set for nationwide release in Indonesian cinemas on August 21, 2025.

At its core, the story follows Najwa (Raihaanun), an underpaid village schoolteacher struggling to raise her only daughter, Yanti (Nayla Purnama), in harsh economic conditions. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Diana (Jenny Zhang) from the Golden Umbrella Foundation offers Najwa a teaching position in the city, along with the promise of better educational opportunities for Yanti.

Initially, the new life seems promising. But soon, unsettling events unfold at both their home and school — haunted by grotesque apparitions and eerie encounters. Unknown to Najwa, the foundation’s wealthy owners, led by Lucius (Arifin Putra), have a sinister plan: she and her daughter are to be sacrificial offerings in the family’s Bhairawa sect, which believes consuming human flesh grants immortality.

“In this film, we created a new visual concept for ghosts. For instance, there’s a ‘shy’ pocong ghost, severed body parts served as food, and victims whose stomachs were ripped open but sewn shut with cloth,” explained director Azhar Kinoi Lubis. “I also combined body movement choreography with sound — when performing the ritual, there are dance-like motions accompanied by chant-like sounds to give a sacred atmosphere.”

Producer Dilip Chugani added:

“We wanted to turn intriguing stories into a deep cinematic experience that is universally understandable, yet subtly delivers important messages. The film touches on social issues such as greed and exploitation.”

Raihaanun, who plays Najwa, highlighted the emotional depth of her character:

“Najwa carries a dark past she’s never shared with her daughter — a past she wants to bury. Her focus is on making her child happy, even if it means moving to an unfamiliar place. Her journey resonates with many women who have sacrificed everything for their children. Beyond Kinoi’s terrifying horror elements, the film also delivers a strong social critique on the divide between the wealthy and the underprivileged.”

Labinak: They Are Here promises not just shocking horror, but also a psychological exploration of cannibalism as a metaphor for present-day social realities. The film opens in Indonesian cinemas on August 21, 2025. For updates, follow the official Instagram account @anamifilms_official.

---