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Curse of the Totem, Malaysian Horror Film Set for AFM Launch at House of Film (EXCLUSIVE

Boutique sales agent, House of Film has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Asia, to represent the Malaysian mythical horror film “Curse of the Totem” (aka “Sumpahan Jerunei”) from Produksi Seni Duapuluh-Duapuluh SDN BHD. 

Based on the 13th Century Borneo sacrificial rituals, “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 indigenous Melanau tribe in Borneo.

Burial poles mark burial still exist today as gravestones, marking the loss of other human lives that were sacrificed on behalf of prosperous nobility. Human sacrifice was outlawed in Sarawak Province in the 18th Century.

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Combing through the Borneo jungle for answers, each member of Dr. Sani’s team experiences inexplicable hallucinations, malicious disturbances and eventually are haunted by unexplained spirits of the dead. Things take a turn for the worse when one of them is completely possessed by evil forces.

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The film was 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 Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak in Malaysia. 

Starring Bront Palarae, it was released commercially in Malaysia in July and has begun to circulate on the international festival circuit. It recently received three New York Cinematographer Awards including the award for best cinematographer (feature film) for Harris Hue Abullah, along with best actress award for Uqasha Senrose and best supporting actor award for Tony Eusoff. 

House of Film will launch it to international buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. “This is an especially distinctive urban legend story that keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat knowing it is inspired by true events,” said Ava B of House of Film.

The company’s AFM slate also includes Spanish-language thriller “Lust & Fear,” psychological thriller “The Portrait of Her,” heist film “Artcon” and airborne Chinese action-adventure “KG-145.”

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Larita Shotwell

Update: 2024-08-01

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