Malaysian horror movie Curse of the Totem, aka Sumpahan Jerunei, draws from 13th-century Borneo sacrifice rituals, and, thanks to Variety, a new image gives a first look at the upcoming horror movie described as an “urban legend story.”
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. 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.”
While human sacrifice was outlawed in the 18th century, the Burial Poles still exist today as grave markers, contributing to the true-life origins that inspired this urban legend horror story.
The film was directed by Jason Chong and written by Sky Khor. Curse of the Totem stars Bront Palarae, who more recently starred in Shudder’s Blood Flower, Satan’s Slaves, and Satan’s Slaves 2: Communion.
While the film was released commercially in Malaysia this past summer, Variety reports that House of Film has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Asia, and will launch international sales 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,” Ava B of House of Film told the outlet.
Curse of the Totem is produced by Wendy Wong and Nancie Foo in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak in Malaysia. With the film already released in Malaysia and making its way on the International film festival circuit, expect this horror movie to get snatched up for distribution soon.
Stay tuned for additional details on the film as they arrive.