\”Joko Anwar, a renowned Indonesian film director, is currently juggling multiple projects. He is shooting a new film in Bandung, the details of which he keeps secret, while also finishing post-production on another film set to be released soon. Additionally, he is promoting his latest horror hit, Siksa Kubur (Grave Torture), which has already sold nearly 4 million tickets in Indonesia since its April 11 release, putting it on track to become one of the country’s top 10 highest-grossing films. Anwar, known for his multitasking skills, apologizes during a phone interview for needing to take a break to shoot a scene on set. The film, which he both wrote and directed, follows siblings Sita and Adil as they grapple with the concept of grave torture in Islam after witnessing their parents die in a suicide bombing. Anwar, a practicing Muslim, aimed to tackle this sensitive topic with respect and provoke reflection rather than judgment. The inspiration for Siksa Kubur, which had been brewing in Anwar’s mind for a long time, stems from his own childhood questions about religion and belief. Raised in Medan, which he describes as a tough environment, Anwar found solace in watching films at a local cinema despite financial constraints preventing him from attending film school. His career took off after working as an assistant director and co-writing award-winning films, leading him to become a celebrated director with international recognition. Anwar’s ability to delve deep into characters and storylines has garnered praise from veteran actors like Christine Hakim, who commends his meticulous approach to crafting characters’ backstories. Hakim, who initially hesitated to work on horror films, was convinced by Anwar’s dedication and vision, leading her to collaborate with him on multiple projects. Anwar’s dedication to storytelling and his unique perspective on religion and society continue to shape his work and solidify his reputation as a talented filmmaker in the global film industry.\”
