Horror is not Intan’s go-to-genre for cinematic storytelling. She is a self-described “drama queen”, she only makes dramas with a focus on women and children. Sleeping Beauties is the first horror film produced by her Indonesian based production company Anak Negeri but undoubtedly, it will not be the last.
Sleeping Beauties had its Australian premiere on the 15th of July at the Astor Cinema. Actor and producer Intan Keiflie says the screening went beyond her expectations and has reached her intended audience. She wanted to connect people who love horror with a character and themes they don’t usually get to see.
Intan plays Cahya, a migrant worker, recently widowed, in desperate need of work and pregnant. She finds employment at an isolated house in rural Australia with uninviting owners and supernatural elements at play. Cahya’s perceived vulnerabilities are the very assets desired by the spirits but are also what make her a force to reckon with.
Sleeping Beauties was conceptualised when Intan and her spouse and film director Stuart Simpson were between projects. Intan was pregnant at the time and coordinated the whole production around her due date. They made it just in time. Two days after they wrapped on set Intan gave birth to their son.
Sleeping Beauties has been released in the US, Canada, Cambodia, Russia and Malaysia to great audience reviews. It will be featuring in film festivals from September 2023. Stay tuned for screenings in Castlemaine and Bendigo Victoria later this year.