Boutique sales agent House of Film has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Asia, to the Malaysian mythical horror film “Curse of the Totem” (aka “Sumpahan Jerunei”) from Produksi Seni Duapuluh-Duapuluh SDN BHD.
Based on the sacrificial rituals of 13th century Borneo, “Curse of the Totem” tells the story of Dr Sani who goes in search of his wife who disappeared on a genealogy expedition to study the ancient mythical legend of Jerunei ‘burial poles of the Melanau indigenous tribe in Borneo.
Burial poles still exist today as gravestones, marking the loss of other human lives sacrificed on behalf of the wealthy aristocracy. Human sacrifice was outlawed in the province of Sarawak in the 18th century.
As they search the Borneo jungle for answers, each member of Dr Sani’s team begins to experience unexplained hallucinations, malevolent disturbances, and eventually is haunted by unexplained ghosts of the dead. Things take a turn for the worse when one of them is completely possessed by evil forces.
The film is directed by Jason Chong (“Belukar”, “Adiwiraku/My Superheroes”) from a screenplay by Sky Khor (“Takut ke Tak”). It is produced by Wendy Wong and Nancie Foo in association with the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts in Malaysia.
Starring Bront Palarae, the film was released commercially in Malaysia in July and has begun to tour the international festival circuit. It recently won three New York Cinematographer Awards, including Best Cinematographer (Feature Film) for Harris Hue Abullah, as well as Best Actress for Uqasha Senrose and Best Supporting Actor for Tony Eusoff.
House of Film will present the film to international buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. “This is a particularly distinctive urban legend story that keeps you on the edge of your seat knowing it was inspired by true events,” said House of Film’s Ava B.
The company’s AFM slate also includes Spanish-language thriller “Lust & Fear”, psychological thriller “The Portrait of Her”, heist film “Artcon” and Chinese airborne action adventure “KG-145”.
