Scarier Pontianak sequel in the works

BY ZIEMAN

PETALING JAYA: The late Datuk Dr Usman Awang once told filmmaker Shuhaimi Baba that only a few people “could make things happen” and she was one of them. 

The National Laureate also said that she could help to improve the standard of Malay films. 

Spurred by his words, Shuhaimi went on to become one of the country’s top-notch film directors, breaking new ground with such films as Ringgit Kassorgga and Mimpi Moon and the highly successful Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam, which has grossed RM3.2mil on the local circuit. 

The horror flick, which has been shown in Thailand and Indonesia, has been entered for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Fukuoka, Japan, and the Estepona Fantasy Film Festival in Spain. 

TALENTED TEAM: Shuhaimi (second from right) posing with actors (from left) Azri, Maya, Nanu Baharuddin and Ida Nerina in Johor Baru recently.

The movie will also be screened in London, where a film workshop on Malaysian horror and culture will be held.  

At the Film Workers Association of Malaysia Oscar Night last week, organised by the association for film technicians in the film and advertising industry, the film swept 10 awards, including for Best Film Production, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Special Effects.  

The success and the encouraging response from Malaysians have inspired Shuhaimi to come up with a sequel that promises to be more intriguing and blood-curdling – provided the censors give more room for the filmmakers to be daring in their creative efforts. 

“I have rewritten the script many times. The Home Minister has been accommodating in looking into an appeal to do away with outdated censorship guidelines,” said Shuhaimi, who is confident that more flexible censorship for local films will attract investors.  

“We are designing the special effects for Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam 2 and inviting interested investors to join us in this new exciting venture on the angry flying Malaysian banshee,” she said.  

The main cast of the first film – Maya Karin, Azri Iskandar and Rosyam Nor – will return in the sequel, which is expected to be shot in Sungai Lembing, Pahang, in November. 

Shuhaimi said the sequel will continue from where Maria disappeared and viewers will find out who Maria is. 

She said they are still casting for actors.  

Those interested can seek a casting appointment by calling Shahnaz or Esmi at 03-7728 2427.