DON'T Look at the Demon – a local horror film coming to cinemas nationwide on October 6 is the first Malaysian movie to penetrate the North American market and cinemas in over 20 countries.
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin called it a stepping-stone for international success for local productions in the future.
The film features Hollywood actors, and tells the story of a group of American paranormal investigators who travel to Fraser’s Hill in Pahang to investigate supernatural occurrences in a house that was built in the early 1970s that relates back to forbidden ancient rituals. To their surprise, the crew get more than they bargained for as they uncover dark secrets about the house.
Zahidi believes through this film, international audiences can learn and understand the various cultures, traditions, and tourist attractions in Malaysia, which may contribute to the improvement of the tourism sector.
"Now that we have entered the American market, we can strive for reaching new heights by aiming to obtain awards such as the Oscars, Emmy, and so forth, in the near future,” said Zahidi.
While director and producer Brando Lee was quoted as saying; "With the global release of Don’t Look At The Demon, I hope to inspire local producers to reach for the stars and keep pushing forward to represent Malaysia on an international scale.
"The release of this film is not just my success, but it is the success of all of us in Malaysia, and I am extremely proud to set this benchmark and bring pride to our country.”
The film will reportedly be released to over 20 countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, United Kingdom, Poland and more, with over 250 cinemas in North America alone.
It releases in cinemas nationwide on October 6.
Prior to Don’t Look At The Demon, Lee produced and directed Gangster Wars (Kisah Paling Gangster), a crime action film, released in 2013 featuring several well-known actors such as the late legendary Mariani; a Malaysian-Singaporean actress, singer and model popular during the 1950s-1960s, who was also the sister-in-law of the legendary P. Ramlee, Wan Hanafi Su who acted as Tok Gajah in Mat Kilau movie, Khatijah Tan, Wawa Zainal, Zul Handyblack and others. – The Vibes, October 2, 2022
