Exciting Expansion for Singapore’s Animated Horror Anthology "A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts"
Singapore’s animated horror anthology, "A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts," is making waves in the international co-production arena by partnering with Kucing Hitam, one of Indonesia’s leading independent creative production and IP management companies. This announcement was made during the Asia TV Forum, showcasing the growing collaboration across Southeast Asia.
Joining forces with Kucing Hitam are notable names in the industry, including Robot Playground Media from Singapore, Xanthus Animation from Taiwan, and Toonz Media Group, which operates in both Ireland and India. Together, they will co-produce and manage sales for this exciting feature film adaptation of Ying Chang Compestine’s acclaimed book, which weaves together four standalone yet interconnected stories.
Currently in the early stages of production, "A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts" recently received the prestigious NMEA Award at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in November, an accolade that celebrates innovative projects fostering cross-sector collaboration among industries, technologies, and cultures.
Founded in 2019, Kucing Hitam has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in Southeast Asian genre storytelling, with successes like "KKN di Desa Penari," Indonesia’s highest-grossing horror film. The company is known for collaborating with talented grassroots creators, including Prasodjo Muhammad, Nessie Judge, and Teguh Faluvie, to deliver culturally rich narratives. With plans to expand into film production in 2024, Kucing Hitam is poised for further growth.
Charles Johannes, the founder of Kucing Hitam, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This story resonates with us. It embodies the cultural spirit driving Indonesia’s new wave of genre films, blending strong traditions with modern issues and appealing to audiences worldwide. We’re thrilled to collaborate with an international team to develop this IP and share it with viewers far beyond its origins.”
The Kucing Hitam team has a proven track record, having been involved in Indonesia’s most successful films, collectively generating over $20 million at the box office. They will collaborate with LMN VFX in Jakarta and the Indonesia-Singapore investment firm Goshen Group to produce the Indonesian-set elements of the film.
Mediacorp, Singapore’s national media network, has been a strong supporter of the project from its inception, initially investing in its creative development as a television series pilot. Angeline Poh, Mediacorp’s Chief Customer and Corporate Development Officer, praised the team for this new chapter, highlighting the project’s evolution from a series pilot to a feature film with regional and global aspirations.
Telegael, a multi-award-winning Irish studio under Toonz Media Group, will oversee post-production, merging Eastern storytelling traditions with European production expertise. Ervin Han, co-founder of Robot Playground Media and creator of the project, noted, “Kucing Hitam’s involvement enriches the anthology’s narrative depth. Their keen understanding of Asian horror makes them a vital partner as we expand the world-building and aim for a global audience.”
Producer Justin Deimen emphasized the franchise potential of "A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts," stating, “With Kucing Hitam’s experience in building successful film franchises in Southeast Asia, we believe this project is primed for scalability and commercial success across the region, with opportunities for diverse formats and brand partnerships.”
Allen Jordan, Managing Director of Goshen Group, added, “The film will resonate with Indonesian audiences due to its focus on two beloved themes—food and horror. It’s a perfect fit for our market, and we are proud to support its development.”
"A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts" is set for a theatrical release in early 2027. After being showcased by Toonz Media Group at the American Film Market, the project will return to Asia, where Toonz and Robot Playground Media will continue to drive presales throughout the region.
Robot Playground Media, founded in 2014, is known for its unique cultural lens on Southeast Asian stories and its commitment to cross-border collaborations, making them a key player in the region’s creative landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling project as it unfolds!
