Horror Film Doti – Tumbal Ilmu Hitam Coming Soon to Cinemas! The Most Cruel Black Magic Terror from Sulawesi

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The Indonesian horror film industry is back with a gripping story that highlights local cultural roots and the horrors of the past.

The film Doti – Tumbal Ilmu Hitam, the latest work by director Bayu Pamungkas and screenwriter Kayla Maulida, produced by Dream Picture and Ruang Visual Production, is ready to rock cinemas on July 24, 2025.

With a horror genre rooted in a true story, this film explores one of the most cruel black magic practices from the land of Sulawesi, namely Doti—a type of black magic that is said to be a soul destroyer that is not only frightening but also deadly.

The story is set in 1999 in a village called Jonjo, Sulawesi. The story centers on Ikhsan (played by Ahmad Pule), a young man who wants to visit the grave of his father, Daeng Rate (Jerry Wong), who died 15 years ago after being accused of being a Doti shaman.

His mother, Daeng Rannu (Sri Herawati), was traumatized by the tragedy, but finally allowed Ikhsan to go on one condition: he must be careful and hide his true identity.

Arriving in Jonjo village, Ikhsan finds his father's grave in an abandoned condition. But more than just a pilgrimage, his presence is the beginning of a series of mysterious events.

He begins to rebuild the prayer room and tries to guide the residents to return to a religious life. However, his steps are not fully accepted.

His presence disturbs Daeng Rewa (Billy Budjanger), a powerful shaman who seems to hold a grudge and secrets from the past.

This figure is not only suspicious of Ikhsan's presence but also tries to bring him down with slander. The peak occurs when Daeng Rewa attacks Ikhsan using black magic. However, this effort turns fatal, because Daeng Rewa himself is the one who ends up dead.

The death of the shaman brings a bitter reality to the surface. The villagers finally find evidence that shows his involvement in Daeng Rate's tragic death in the past.

Mystical Atmosphere, Authentic Local Terror

This film is strengthened by a cast such as Della Ogini, Anita Tanjung, and Billy Budjanger, who display intense performances amidst the gloomy and gripping village atmosphere.

Through typical 90s visuals and an atmosphere thick with local culture, Doti-Tumbal Ilmu Hitam not only presents fear, but also touches on themes of stigma, the legacy of trauma, and the struggle to clear the family name.

Directed by a filmmaker who already has a strong track record in the horror genre, and produced by Yehezkiel Amir, this film is ready to present tension from beginning to end.

Premiering July 24, 2025

For local horror lovers and fans of dark stories from the past wrapped in mystical elements, Doti-Tumbal Ilmu Hitam is a must-watch film.