Karim
World Premiere
17 minutes | 2025 | Indonesia | Drama – Horror | 🔊 Javanese | 17+
Synopsis
Sinopsis
Karim, a successful construction contractor, lives with his wife Watik and their 7-year-old daughter Arum. Karim deeply loves his small family and shares a close bond with Arum, his only child. He would do anything to make her happy.
One day, Karim’s construction business goes bankrupt. He loses all his wealth, including his savings and their only house. The only asset left is an old meatball stall inherited from his father. Watik, devastated by their sudden financial downfall, decides to leave Karim and takes Arum with her.
In the midst of his shattered life and driven by desperation, Karim turns to a dark mystical ritual for wealth, assisted by his younger brother Heri—the very person who subtly suggests this path. However, as time goes on, the consequences of the ritual begin to unfold, threatening not only his family’s unity but also his very life.
Schedule
Jadwal
NOCTURNAL SHORTS 2
Thu, 4 Dec 2025 | 23:30 | EMPIRE XXI | Studio 5
Director's Biography
Biografi Sutradara
Jusuf Witjaksono
Jusuf Witjaksono, born in Magetan on May 14, 1993, began his visual career as a Photographer in 2011. After more than a decade honing his sensitivity in capturing moments and atmosphere through the lens, Jusuf expanded his creative expression into Videography production in early 2023. He has been involved in various projects, ranging from commercial pre-wedding & wedding shots, music videos, corporate content, to storytelling-based productions.
His interest in Directing grew organically, and in June 2025, Jusuf officially embarked on his directorial journey with his debut short film titled KARIM. This horror-thriller explores the phenomenon of pesugihan—a mystical practice still present in certain layers of society—as a narrative metaphor for the human desire to take shortcuts in pursuit of ambition.
Jusuf is currently working with Will be Back Pictures, a production house founded by Gisneo Pratala, who also serves as the producer and executive producer for KARIM. Through this film, Jusuf marks a new chapter in his visual and narrative exploration as a filmmaker.
Credit
Kredit
| Production Company | Will be Back Pictures |
| Producer | Gisneo Pratala |
| Director | Jusuf Witjaksono |
| Scriptwriter | Lanang Gigih |
| Cinematographer | Muhammad Wasi Abdul Fattah |
| Production Designer | – |
| Editor | Ahmad Wildan |
| Main Cast | Seteng, Freddy Rotterdam |
| Director’s filmography | – |
| Notable Achievement | – |
| Contact | [email protected] |

