Barunson E&A, the Korean company behind Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar winner “Parasite,” is expanding its global footprint through a new partnership with buzzy Indonesian production banner Imajinari.
The deal positions Barunson to handle international remake rights for three of Imajinari’s standout titles: horror-comedy sensation “Agak Laen,” its upcoming sequel, and dark comedy “Tinggal Meninggal.”
The strategic move signals Barunson’s evolution beyond traditional co-production and international sales as it steps into remake rights licensing, with a focused eye on Southeast Asia’s booming film market.
Imajinari, founded in 2021 by comedian-director Ernest Prakasa and manager Dipa Andika under the Hahaha Corp talent umbrella, has rapidly established itself as one of Indonesia’s most exciting new-generation studios. The company made waves with its 2022 debut “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap,” which pulled in 2.8 million admissions to become Indonesia’s fourth highest-grossing local film that year.
The studio’s 2024 hit “Agak Laen” — adapted from a popular podcast — follows a group of misfits whose not-so-frightening haunted house attraction becomes genuinely haunted, turning into a viral phenomenon. The horror-comedy exploded at the box office with over 9.1 million admissions, claiming the crown as Indonesia’s most successful comedy ever and the second-highest performing local film by overall admissions.
“Our philosophy has always been about telling original stories in ways that surprise and engage the audience,” said Prakasa. “It’s exciting to collaborate with Barunson E&A and see how our creativity can be reimagined through remakes around the world.”
Before “Agak Laen 2” hits theaters in Q4 2025 under returning director Muhadkly Acho, Imajinari will release “Tinggal Meninggal” on Aug. 7. The dark comedy, currently in post-production, follows Gema, a lonely man whose small lies to attract coworker attention snowball into increasingly complicated situations.
Since launching its international division in 2022, Barunson E&A has aggressively expanded its global presence. The company has already participated in several Indonesian productions, including action thriller “13 Bombs” (Visinema Pictures), horror title “Respati” (Base Entertainment), and musical reboot “Rangga & Cinta,” directed by veteran filmmaker Riri Riza and produced by Miles Films.
“With Imajinari, we see a studio that excels at telling deeply relatable stories – about family, love, and human connection – but with fresh and entertaining perspectives,” said Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A. “We’re excited to introduce their unique IPs to global audiences and share creative voices that deserve wider recognition.”
