Amazon MGM Studios has announced its first feature film collaboration in Southeast Asia and its maiden venture with Indonesian director Joko Anwar.

Action thriller "The Siege at Thorn High" ("Pengepungan Di Bukit Duri")has wrapped production and is slated for a 2025 release in Indonesia. (update: the film releases in theatres in Indonesia on 17 April 2025, Amazon MGM Studios said on 31 January 2025). 

Set in the tumultuous near-future of Indonesia in 2027, "The Siege at Thorn High" shows Indonesian society teetering on the edge of anarchy, with chaos ignited by discrimination and racial hate. Against this backdrop, a young substitute teacher at a school for juvenile delinquents battles for survival.

Stars include Morgan Oey ("Srimulat: Hidup Memang Komedi"), Omara Esteghlal ("Ali Topan") and Hana Malasan ("Susuk").

The film is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Come and See Pictures. 

Anwar said in today's announcement that  the film "depicts a timely and consequential issue that is more relevant than ever in today’s world”.

In a post on X, Anwar said he had been working on the project since 2023 and that the cast was mostly young actors he was working with for the first time. 

He also said that at first he "couldn't believe it" when Amazon MGM Studios approached him with the project. 

"The Siege at Thorn High" is produced by Tia Hasibuan. 

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