"Mother Bhumi" highlights female empowerment in Malaysia

Director Chong Keat Aun is finishing his new film, "Mother Bhumi." This drama is a mix of different languages and tells stories about land disputes, mysticism, and the strength of women. The film is currently selected for the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum, which runs alongside the Hong Kong FilMart. Set in a Malaysian village in the late 1990s, the story follows Hong Im, played by actress Fan Bingbing. Hong Im is a widow who works hard in the rice fields during the day and helps heal villagers at night. Her life changes when mysterious events bring up the truth about her husband's death, forcing her to confront her past. The budget for "Mother Bhumi" is $1.8 million. The film is a joint effort between Malaysia's Janji Pictures Production and Italy's Volos Films Italia. Wong Kew Soon, who previously worked with Chong, is one of the producers. Another producer, Stefano Centini, was drawn to the project after admiring Chong's previous work and recognized the talent of Fan Bingbing. Chong's inspiration for the story comes from his childhood experiences along the Malaysia-Thailand border, where he heard tales of land disputes. These issues are rooted in history, including the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. Even after Malaysia became independent, these land rights problems continued, sometimes leading to witchcraft practices to resolve conflicts. Chong's childhood stories included a notable figure: a mixed-race female farmer who aided villagers and was rumored to have magical powers. Over the years, various accounts of her fate captured Chong's interest, leading him to create this film. The title, "Mother Bhumi," reflects the Sanskrit word for "land" and honors Malaysia's Indigenous communities. Working with Fan Bingbing was a significant experience for Chong. He asked her if she would agree to have her appearance changed for the film, and she accepted without hesitation. During filming, she faced extreme heat in the rice fields but remained committed to her role. Her dedication and ability to connect with her character added depth to the film.