Indonesian filmmaker and Visinema founder Angga Dwimas Sasongko is targeting “Queen of Malacca” for release in the first quarter of 2027, as the Southeast Asian fantasy epic moves into post-production and attracts interest from potential distribution partners in China, Thailand and other international markets.

The project has attracted increasing industry attention since Blue Finch Films began sales worldwide. “We are currently in talks with potential distribution partners,” says Sasongko. Variety during the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur. “It will definitely become Visinema’s next franchise.”

“Queen of Malacca” marks Sasongko’s return to directing after a two-year hiatus and is one of the most ambitious productions of his career. “I spent eight years building this fantasy world,” he says. “It combines Southeast Asian martial arts, supernatural elements and extensive visual effects. It’s like creating a universe: a mosaic of modern life inspired by regional mythology and traditions.”

More than a standalone feature, Sasongko sees “Queen of Malacca” as the cornerstone of Visinema’s strategy to develop locally rooted intellectual property with international appeal.

Beyond “Queen of Malacca,” Visinema is preparing five films for release in 2027 while developing an animation portfolio that will extend through 2030. The slate includes an animated superhero action comedy film slated for 2028, a sequel to the family IP “Nussa,” and a follow-up to its animated blockbuster “Jumbo,” one of Indonesia’s biggest box office hits of all time.

“For Visinema, international collaboration is not just about getting more funding, but about expanding together,” says Sasongko. “Since 2018, we have generally limited external investment in our projects to less than 40%, because we analyze which strategic partners can contribute beyond capital.”

Those partners include foreign media companies, producers and distributors who can provide market access, industry expertise and long-term strategic value. Visinema also seeks to deepen relations in mainland China, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

For Sasongko, creative ambition and commercial potential should go hand in hand. The goal, he says, is to build stories with a distinctive local identity while creating the long-term partnerships and intellectual property needed to reach audiences across the region.