Mandela Pictures from Indonesia and Desert Bloom Pictures, based in Korea and Los Angeles, have announced a significant partnership to develop a slate of four films. The collaboration was revealed at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, aiming to create a bridge between the Indonesian, Korean, and Hollywood markets.
This partnership aligns Desert Bloom’s experience in producing successful Korean blockbusters with Mandela’s established presence in Southeast Asia’s largest theatrical market. The leadership team at Desert Bloom includes executives Jennice Lee, Hugh Cha, and Park Hyoungjin, who have contributed to major hits such as “Exhuma” and “Along With the Gods,” and have backgrounds with notable companies like Studio Dragon and Lotte Cultureworks.
Strategic Film Development
The initial slate features four key projects, starting with “Ugly Duckling” (working title). This film will be developed as a co-production between Indonesia and Korea, described as a dramedy that explores themes of image, identity, and reinvention in the age of social media. It is particularly targeted at Indonesian audiences.
In addition to “Ugly Duckling,” two more features will adapt U.S. or Korean intellectual properties for local viewers. These adaptations will reimagine existing stories by incorporating Indonesian settings and cultural elements. Another project, an unnamed Korean horror film from Mandela’s newly launched genre label BN13, is primarily aimed at the Korean market and international genre buyers.
Lavesh Samtani, Chief Operating Officer of Mandela Pictures, expressed the ambition behind this partnership, stating, “We didn’t want a one-off co-production — we wanted a real slate.” He highlighted that the goal is to cultivate Indonesian-rooted stories that resonate in Jakarta, Seoul, and Los Angeles.
Building Cross-Cultural Connections
The collaboration also emphasizes a talent exchange, which will facilitate the involvement of Korean writers, directors, and creative executives in Indonesian productions. This initiative aims to enhance the creative landscape in both countries and provide opportunities for Indonesian talent to participate in Korean and hybrid projects.
Jennice Lee, CEO of Desert Bloom Pictures, commented on the partnership’s potential, noting, “Indonesia is one of the most exciting growth markets in the region.” She believes that by combining Mandela’s local insights with their own IP and networks, they can establish a robust cross-border studio ecosystem.
As the projects progress through development, further details regarding creative partnerships, casting, and production timelines will be shared. This venture marks an important step in fostering international collaboration in the film industry, leveraging the strengths of both companies to create compelling content for diverse audiences.
