CHINESE film star Fan Bingbing is set to make her mark in Malaysian cinema, playing the lead in coming Chinese-Malaysian drama 'Mother Bhumi'
Fan plays the lead, who helps people with her special powers, in director Chong Keat Aun's fourth feature film.
BORDER
In a recent interview to promote the film at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, Fan said her character Hong Im was a single mother, part of a small padi-farming community living close to the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kedah.
She said: "Hong Im is a resilient farmer who recently lost her husband under mysterious circumstances.
"She is gifted with magic and uses it to solve her fellow villagers' everyday problems and all of them greatly respect her for that."
SECRET
One day, Hong Im encounters a ghost who reveals a secret about her husband's death.
"This chance meeting slowly changes her life as well as the lives of the people she is closest to," said Fan.
'Mother Bhumi' also stars Taiwanese actor Bai Run-Yin and Hong Kong actress Natalie Hsu, as Hong Im's son and daughter, respectively.
GOLDEN HORSE
Chong's previous works include 'Story of the Southern Islet', which was screened at Locarno and Rotterdam, and earned him the best new director award at the Golden Horse Awards in 2020.
His second feature film, 'Snow in Midsummer', was selected for Venice Days — the independent section of Venice Film Festival — in 2023 and received nine Golden Horse nominations.
'Mother Bhumi' is a co-production between Malaysia and Italy.
It is co-produced by Janji Pictures and Volos Films Italia.
The film is presented by SunStrong Entertainment, Sure Honest Holdings, AMTD Digital, Southern Islet Pictures, Landscape Film and Berjaya Pictures.
COMPLEX
Fan said: "Participating in a movie such as 'Mother Bhumi' is a unique experience.
"Not only does it give me the opportunity to explore a complex character, but also allows me to delve into the depths of Southeast Asia, where I can experience the fusion of different cultures, and discover how art knows no boundaries."
INSIGHTS
She added: "I had a great time working with director Keat Aun, and I am benefiting greatly from his keen insights into social issues.
"During the filming process, we explored the inner world of the characters together and portrayed every detail with precision and realism.
"Although it was difficult to master six languages while preparing for the shoot, it challenged me to take a bold step in my artistic work."
POWER
Fan is looking forward to meeting the audience and experiencing the power of women that transcends language and culture.
Chong said production had concluded in mid-October and his team was targeting a festival circuit release in the second half of 2025.
"It was great working with Bingbing. This is my first film with her and she was very meticulous in preparing for her role as Hong Im," said Chong who filmed the movie in Alor Star.
STELLAR
Besides Fan, Natalie and Bai, 'Mother Bhumi' also stars Malaysian actress Pearlly Chua as Hong Im's closest friend.
Chong said: "We have a stellar cast and I have worked in four films with Pearlly and Natalie."
In a video broadcast Natalie said: "The producers told me it would be quite tough. Battling mosquitoes daily was a challenge.
"Thankfully the crew took great care of all of us. I enjoyed the whole filming experience despite the long and late night shoots.
"It was an enriching eco-camp. I learnt so much about Kedah history and culture. I even picked up some Malay."
FOLKLORE
In another video broadcast Bai said: "It is an honour to be part of this movie.
"Chong is a superb director.
"He has deep knowledge of folklore and language.
"He instilled a strong sense of confidence in me.
"Bingbing guided me a lot. I drew much energy from her dedication to her craft."
Chua said it was great to work with Chong once again, and described him as a prolific and imaginative director.
"It's an honour to share the screen with Bingbing.
"She's great as Hong Im and I hope moviegoers will love 'Mother Bhumi' when it debuts next year."