Fearfolks Takes World Sales on Kazakh Horror Sequel 'Dastur: Teris Bata'
The sequel to Kazakhstan's record-breaking horror film 'Dastur' has secured international sales representation with Bangkok-based Fearfolks. The original film grossed nearly $4 million, and the sequel has earned about $2 million locally, extending its reach to other Central Asian markets. The title is being launched at the Toronto Film Festival market.
The Bangkok-based sales agency Fearfolks has taken on international distribution duties for the Kazakh horror sequel, with the exception of CIS territories. The film is currently being presented to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival's market.
The first installment, released in 2023, set a national box office record by earning nearly $4 million. This follow-up, which functions as a standalone story, has already accumulated about $2 million in its home market and has expanded its audience across several neighboring nations, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
The international expansion of a regional horror franchise could signal growing global appetite for non-Western genre cinema. By securing a Bangkok-based sales agent, the sequel may find new audiences in Southeast Asia and beyond, potentially boosting Kazakhstan's film industry profile. This success could encourage more Central Asian productions to seek international co-productions and distribution deals, diversifying the global market. However, the exclusion of CIS territories suggests regional distribution dynamics remain complex, and the film's impact may be limited to niche horror enthusiasts unless broader marketing efforts succeed.