Timo Tjahjanto is an acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker known for his work in the horror and action genres. Born on September 4, 1980, Tjahjanto has made a significant mark in the film industry, particularly through his work as a director, producer, and screenwriter. He is the founder of the production company Merah Production and is also recognized for being one half of the filmmaking duo “The Mo Brothers,” alongside Kimo Stamboel.
The Mo Brothers gained significant attention for their collaborative works, notably Headshot (2016), which earned them a Citra Award nomination for Best Director. Tjahjanto himself won the Maya Award for Best Director in 2019 for May the Devil Take You, solidifying his reputation as a standout director in the Indonesian film industry.
Tjahjanto’s early career involved working as a freelance storyboard artist and photographer. He later pursued his education at the School of Visual Arts in Australia, where he met Kimo Stamboel, who would become a long-time collaborator. His work is heavily influenced by classic horror films, particularly Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Tommy Lee Wallace’s 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It.
Tjahjanto’s films often feature intense, visually striking action sequences and psychological horror elements, earning him a dedicated fanbase both in Indonesia and internationally. His unique style and willingness to explore darker, more intense themes in his films have made him a notable figure in contemporary horror and action cinema.
