Mother Bhumi": A Supernatural Tale of Colonial Legacy and Feminine Power in 1990s Malaysia
A new film titled "Mother Bhumi," directed by Malaysian filmmaker Chong Keat Aun and starring Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, has released its trailer. The movie is set in late-1990s Malaysia during a period of political unrest and follows the story of Hong Im, a widowed farmer and ritual healer, as she navigates challenges in her village. The film delves into the resurgence of colonial-era conflicts through supernatural occurrences, exploring themes of land seizures, exorcisms, and the haunting legacy of empire in Bujang Valley.
Chong, drawing from his personal background growing up in a rice-field village on the Malaysia-Thailand border, infuses the film with themes of colonialism, border disputes, and feminine power. Fan Bingbing's role in the film marks her return to international cinema following her appearance in "Green Night." The production is a collaborative effort between Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, with support from various film financing forums.
The film features a diverse cast and crew, with dialogue in Mandarin, Hokkien, Thai, and Malay to reflect the multi-ethnic setting of the story. The trailer for "Mother Bhumi" offers a glimpse into the visually stunning and thematically rich world created by Chong and his team. International sales for the film are being handled by Rediance. Watch the trailer to get a preview of this intriguing new film.