24/12/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | DEC 24, 2025

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Chinese folklore horror o Inspired by underworld deity, M’sian-rooted original production White aims to terrify as well as familiarise audiences with local culture

Lotus Temple, where filming began before incense was offered, and rain poured the moment the camera rolled – a moment that remains vivid in her memory. Veteran actor Chin, who plays Hor’s mentor-like character, described his final scene as one where he felt he was no longer acting but completely carried by the role. “That scene must be experienced in the cinema. Even I don’t know where that performance came from.” As a locally rooted original production, White is more than a horror film – it is a cultural record. JeRR expressed hope that the film would not only resonate locally but also reach overseas audiences, introducing them to the unique figure of Da Bo Ye and tang-ki culture. To authentically portray these cultural elements, the production team filmed on location at Kampar’s abandoned building, where acting the ro “T expe don’ perf A prod hor reco the loc au the an th p selecting Dec 19. Asked about his expectations, JeRR maintained a grounded outlook: “If the film is good, I hope people will share it. If it isn’t, I welcome honest feedback.” Following the premiere, JeRR happily announced White , which officially opened nationwide on Dec 18, achieved RM100,000 in box office takings on its first day. The number of participating cinemas increased from 30 to 37, with daily screenings expanding from six to ten sessions. Produced by Dpindao and co-produced by FBe Film Production, White , directed by JeRR, is a local original film blending folk belief with supernatural thriller elements. The story follows Tiong, a young man born with the ability to summon Bai Wuchang, who seals away his powers after his parents’ tragic deaths. Thirteen years later, he returns home to find his village cursed by a vengeful spirit of a pregnant woman. As his loved ones’ lives hang in the balance, Tiong must confront his destiny and realise that his power is not merely a gift, but a responsibility. selecting lo a c T t cemeteries and the Lotus Temple in Malim Nawar. The team also sought divine guidance regarding the premiere prem date, ultimately

E ERIE sounds echoed through the cinema halls, blending solemnity with anticipation, as if Da Bo Ye himself had arrived to watch the film alongside the audience. Inspired by the familiar underworld deity “Bai Wuchang – Da Bo Ye” in Malaysian Chinese folk belief, the local supernatural thriller White held its grand premiere on Dec 19 at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion KL. Attending the event were director JeRR Ps Rion, assistant director Shi Tou, cast members Aaron Chin, Ivan Hor, Helen Toh, Steven Chong, Dato Combat, among others. During the opening ceremony, the director was also presented with a hand-drawn portrait of Da Bo Ye by a fan – a symbolic gesture of blessing and anticipation for the film. After the red carpet, JeRR shared that, unlike conventional ghost films centred on Taoist priests exorcising spirits, White places the tang-ki (spirit medium) at the heart of its narrative, offering a perspective more deeply rooted in Malaysian Chinese belief and culture. “When I asked people around me about spirit mediums dealing with ghosts, the first response I received was always the Black and White Impermanence. That was how the idea of starting with Da Bo Ye came about,” JeRR explained. He also revealed his hope for White to develop into a film series, potentially expanding to tell the story of Hei Wuchang, allowing audiences to explore another dimension of Chinese folk culture. When asked about their most unforgettable – and frightening – filming experiences, lead actor Hor, who plays the tang-ki , admitted chanting scenes were his greatest challenge. “The final scene, fully made up and chanting to summon Da Bo Ye, was rough t s n o ng so wn a nd

White is not just a horror film, but a cultural record.

terrifying – not only because I struggled with chanting in Hokkien, but also because it genuinely felt frightening.” Another particularly intense experience took place at an infamous abandoned building in Kampar, known locally for paranormal sightings. “The place had been sealed off for a long time, and even the rope once used by the deceased was still there. You could feel the heaviness in the air immediately,” Hor shared, adding that police officers who stopped by even warned them to be cautious, heightening the chilling atmosphere. Female lead Toh, who portrays a vengeful spirit, joked her greatest fear was not the supernatural, but the two-hour special effects make-up sessions. However, what truly affected her was filming hanging and curse scenes at a cemetery. “The emotions built up during the shoot, and once it ended, I couldn’t pull myself out. I cried alone for two hours.” She also recalled an incident at the

The story follows Tiong, a young man born with the ability to summon Bai Wuchang.

Produced by Dpindao and co-produced by FBe Film Production, White , directed by JeRR, is a local original film blending folk belief with supernatural thriller elements.