KUCHING: Leading Hollywood film boutique, House of Film has acquired worldwide rights, except Asia, to represent the Malaysian mythical horror film ‘Sumpahan Jerunei’ from Produksi Seni Duapuluh-Duapuluh Sdn Bhd.
Variety reported that House of Film is currently launching the film to international buyers at the American Film Market from Oct 31 to Nov 5.
‘Sumpahan Jerunei’ film will be known as ‘Curse Of The Totem’ in the international market.
The film was written and directed by Jason Chong, and produced by Datin Wendy Wong and Datuk Nancie Foo.
It revolves around the burial rituals of the Melanau tribes’ elites and follows the story of Dr Sani (Bront Palarae) who goes for an expedition in Sarawak to look for his wife who disappeared while studying a Jerunei totem.
Sani and his expedition crew then begin experiencing hallucinations and nightmares.
The film boasts a stellar cast which includes Uqasha Senrose, Mohd Syafie Naswip, Amerual Affendi, Ruminah Sidek, Tony Eusoff, Sabrina Hassan and Yuyun Hikmah.
Meanwhile, Wong told New Sarawak Tribune that her team hopes the film can attract more international recognition.
“Both Nancie and I have a plan and intention to produce a quality movie to put Malaysian movies on the global map and to promote Malaysian talents, Malaysia as a filming location and destination.”
She added that it took six years to complete the movie due to the Covid-19 movement control order.
“It also took two years of extensive research on the Melanau tribe with the support of the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts for the film to happen.”
Wong also hopes that the film will do well in the international markets.
It was previously screened in cinemas throughout Malaysia and Brunei on July 27 and also Cambodian cinemas on Sept 11.
The film also won 15 awards, with the Best Feature Film during the Paris Film Awards; Best Feature Film (Gold Award), Best Producer (Gold Award), Best Director (Silver Award), Best Cinematography (Silver Award), and Best Original Scene (Silver Award) at the Florence Film Awards.
In addition, the film also won the Official Selection during the Paris Arts & Movies Awards; and Award Winner at the Toronto Independent Film Festival.
The film also won the Best Cinematography, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor at the New York Cinematography Awards; and also Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Lighting at the European Cinematography Awards.
