AFTER the success of the horror film Sumala which reached more than 1.4 million viewers, Hitmaker Studios is releasing another horror film entitled Santet Segoro Pitu which will be shown starting November 7 2024 in cinemas. Directed by Tommy Dewo, the film Santet Segoro Pitu stars Christian Sugiono, Sara Wijayanto, Ari Irham, and Sandrina Michelle.
Adapted from the viral Twitter/X thread, Santet Segoro Pitu presents a horror story set in the Semarang area in 1983. The story reveals the dirty side of the world of trade which takes its toll.
It is said that the main character named Ardi has had a sixth sense since childhood. As much as possible, Ardi always avoids the market because it is a place with a scary “world”.
The market is a place for trading but also a place of fraud, lies, false oaths, broken promises, and worst of all, alliances with supernatural beings. However, he was forced to come into close contact with the market when his father, Sucipto, who had a shop in the market, found a mysterious package and heard the sound of a group of scary inland tribes.
After that, Ardi’s father vomited blood and became sick. Ardi was forced to take care of the shop in place of his father and saw the terrible “situation” in the market.
Not long after, Arif, Ardi’s younger brother and Marni, Ardi’s mother also fell ill. Ardi and his younger sister, Syifa, believe that the incident was a black magic attack and that they will both suffer the same fate. They are looking for a way to survive this deadly witchcraft. A high level of black magic from outside Java is called Segoro Pitu Santet.
“My task as a director is to visualize a thread or scenario that I receive. From the setting, the characters interacting, it tries to be something closer to something more realistic. “Visually, my team and I tried to show it by giving a fresh air to Indonesian horror,” said Santet Segoro Pitu director Tommy Dewo during a press conference at XXI Plaza Indonesia, Saturday (2/11).
“That’s why the forms of ghosts or genies appear in this film which we use with treatment that is not typical or stereotypical of the Indonesian horror genre,” added Tomy, who made his debut as a horror film director in Santet Segoro Pitu.
This film is also his first collaboration with producer Rocky Soraya and Hitmaker Studios. Rocky said, Tommy Dewo has potential that needs to be given space to work.
“I have seen several series directed by Tommy Dewo, and they are really good. Then I was sure that in the future he would have to appear in films. At that time I already had Santet Segoro Pitu but it wasn’t yet a manuscript, it was still in the form of threads and manuscripts. “Then there was a discussion, and I decided that you (Tommy) would take it,” said the producer of Santet Segoro Pitu, Rocky Soraya. (M-1)
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**Interview with Tommy Dewo, Director of Santet Segoro Pitu**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Tommy. “Santet Segoro Pitu” is set to release on November 7, 2024. Can you share what inspired you to create this film?
**Tommy Dewo:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from a viral Twitter/X thread that captured the horror and mystique of trade in the Semarang area back in 1983. It’s a compelling narrative that reveals the darker side of commerce—fraud, deceit, and the supernatural elements that intertwine with daily life.
**Editor:** The film’s main character, Ardi, has a sixth sense. How does this trait add to the storyline?
**Tommy Dewo:** Ardi’s sixth sense not only sets the tone for his personal struggles but also heightens the tension throughout the film. Even more than the average person, he feels the sinister energy associated with the market. His aversion to it makes his eventual confrontation with its horrors more impactful.
**Editor:** It sounds like the market plays a significant role in the film. Can you tell us more about its significance?
**Tommy Dewo:** Absolutely. The market is depicted as a dual space—on one hand, it’s a bustling hub of trade, while on the other, it harbors lies and dark alliances with supernatural beings. This ambiguity creates a rich backdrop for horror, allowing us to explore themes of survival and the consequences of engaging in such a dangerous world.
**Editor:** The film also features elements of black magic. How do you approach these cultural aspects?
**Tommy Dewo:** We aimed to honor Indonesian culture, which is deeply intertwined with beliefs in the supernatural. The concept of Segoro Pitu Santet (a high level of witchcraft from outside Java) adds a unique layer to our narrative. I wanted to make sure we portrayed these elements respectfully, weaving them into the story in a way that resonates with our audience.
**Editor:** What message do you hope audiences take away from “Santet Segoro Pitu”?
**Tommy Dewo:** I hope viewers will see that horror can serve as a metaphor for real-life struggles—whether it’s dealing with family issues or facing societal challenges. I want them to feel the fear but also to reflect on the deeper meanings behind it.
**Editor:** Thank you, Tommy. We’re excited to see “Santet Segoro Pitu” in theaters!
**Tommy Dewo:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to sharing this film with everyone.
