Wregas Bhanuteja’s Para Perasuk Film Selected for the 2026 Sundance International Film Festival in the United States

Writer: Ine Sri Rahayu
Editor: Rahmat Kartolo
Aswinnews — Sharp, Balanced, and Up-to-Date

Jakarta, Aswinnews.com —
Exciting news has arrived from the Indonesian film industry. Writer and director Wregas Bhanuteja’s latest film, “Para Perasuk,” produced by Rekata Studio, has officially announced its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious independent film festivals.

This announcement was made during the Para Perasuk Film Kick-Off Press Conference held at the Nusantara Kaya Gallery, 8th floor, Grand Indonesia, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (11/12). The film is also confirmed to be screened in Indonesian and international cinemas.

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Entered into Sundance 2026 Main Competition

The Perasuk (The Invaders) was selected for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, making it one of 10 international films competing in that category.

The film stars a lineup of top actors from the current generation, including Angga Yunanda, Maudy Ayunda, Bryan Domani, and Chicco Kurniawan, and features Anggun C. Sasmi, who makes her Indonesian feature film debut.

This is also Wregas’ third feature film, after his two previous works—Penyalin Cahaya (2021) and Budi Pekerti (2023)—won various prestigious awards, including the Citra Award.

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Supernatural, Fantasy, and Psychological Drama

This supernatural drama combines elements of fantasy, psychology, and cross-arts.
The film’s script was written by Wregas Bhanuteja, Alicia Angelina, and Defi Mahendra, while producers were Siera Tamihardja, Iman Usman, and Amalia Rusdi.
Para Perasuk is a collaborative production between Indonesia, Singapore, France, and Taiwan.

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Synopsis: Bayu and the Tradition of the Possession Party

The story of Para Perasuk follows the journey of Bayu (Angga Yunanda), a young man from Latas village who dreams of becoming a skilled possessor.
Latas is a small, suburban village famous for its traditional possession parties, a traditional ritual passed down through generations.

When the sacred spring where the possessors seek spirits is threatened, Bayu resolves to lead the possession party to raise funds to save the village’s lifeblood. However, he soon realizes that ambition is not enough to become a true possessor or save his village.

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High Expectations from the Production Team

Producer Iman Usman expressed his pride in the film’s achievements.

“We believe Indonesian stories have a significant place on the world stage. Para Perasuk was selected as one of only ten international films competing in the Sundance 2026 World Cinema Dramatic Competition. We will hold its world premiere there before screening in Indonesia.”

Wregas explained that the film was inspired by his exploration of the phenomenon of possession parties in various regions of Indonesia.

“Tension is usually portrayed to scare people. Through this film, I want to show a humanistic side, that for some people, possession is a way to achieve happiness and release burdens.”

He added that although the film’s setting is fictional, similar traditions can be found in various parts of Indonesia and around the world, giving the film a universal appeal.

Angga Yunanda, who is collaborating with Wregas again, also expressed how challenging the role of Bayu was.

“I was required to show a side I had never explored before. Collaborating with the other actors was a very valuable experience.”

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Wregas’ International Achievements and Track Record

The Sundance International Film Festival, first held in 1978, is known as the largest independent film festival in the world. The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 22 to February 1, 2026.

Para Perasuk was selected from 16,201 submissions, including 2,579 international feature films from 164 countries.

Previously, the film won the CJ ENM Award at the Asian Project Market, part of the 2024 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
Wregas himself is no stranger to Sundance—his short film Tak Ada Yang Gila di Kota Ini competed in 2020.

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Soon to be Released in Indonesia

Follow the latest developments on Para Perasuk on Instagram @filmparaperasuk and @rekatastudio.
The film will soon be released in Indonesian theaters.

Aswinnews.com Editorial Team