Malaysian horror flick scares up RM6.4 million in China
IN JUST one week, thanks to the Halloween season, a Malaysian horror movie has scared up 10 million yuan ( RM6.4 million) in ticket sales in China.
Haunted Hotel ( known in China as Haunted Road 2) stars Thai actress Aom Sushar, and was directed by Malaysian director Ryon Lee.
It had begun screening in 800 cinemas in China and immediately made an impact at the box office.
Lee is known for the awardwinning 2014 movie The Journey, about an Englishman’s struggles with Malaysian culture.
Haunted Hotel was filmed at Amber Court in Genting Highlands, and is replete with scenes of Malaysian life, which could be a huge tourism plus factor, now that Chinese nationals have visa-free privileges to visit Malaysia.
To capitalise on this tourism potential, the cast includes mainland Chinese actor Li Chuan.
In supporting roles are Malaysians Teddy Chin, Nadia Aqilah, and Alvin Chong.
Figured producer Aron Koh: “It may be a collaboration of actors from three countries, but it’s a wholly Malaysian production, featuring our own condominium Amber Court as the “star” of the show. We chose it as the “haunted hotel” of the title because it’s been the subject
I wanted to introduce Malaysia to the world. We have seen many movies showcasing our beautiful islands like Pulau Redang, but when I saw horror films such as Hong Kong’s ‘House that Never Die’ that draw people over to their haunted attractions, I was inspired to do so the same.
of lots of “ghost stories” shared on cyberspace.”
Explaining his choice of using horror to draw tourists, director Lee said: “I wanted to introduce Malaysia to the world. We have seen many movies showcasing our beautiful islands like Pulau Redang, but when I saw horror films such as Hong Kong’s House that Never Dies that draw people over to their haunted attractions, I was inspired to do so the same.”
Interestingly, Thai actress Aom Sushar takes on a Mandarin-speaking role.
She said: “I worked very hard and gave it my all. I hope more people will watch our movie and see for themselves all the exciting things that we did.”
Ryon Lee, director