Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, renowned for her versatile roles and international fame, recently concluded the filming of her latest project, Mother Bhumi, under the direction of Malaysian filmmaker Chong Keat Aun. The film was shot in the scenic town of Alor Setar, Kedah, showcasing the beauty and culture of this northern Malaysian state. Fan, who has been a prominent figure in both Chinese and global cinema, expressed her deep appreciation for the local culture, food, and the warm hospitality she experienced during her time in Kedah.
During a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur, the 43-year-old actress shared her joy about the filming experience in Malaysia. Fan noted that her time in Kedah was particularly memorable due to the local food, which she enthusiastically embraced. One dish that stood out for her was the famous Kedah char kuey teow, a popular stir-fried noodle dish. “I absolutely love Kedah. The people here are incredibly friendly, and the food is outstanding. The char kuey teow quickly became one of my favorites,” Fan remarked in Mandarin, radiating excitement as she recounted her experience.
Fan's connection to the state was made even more special through her interactions with the film’s director, Chong Keat Aun, who is a native of Kedah. She explained how Chong personally introduced her to various facets of Kedah’s culture and history. “Since the director is from Kedah, he took me around the state’s city center, where I had the chance to experience its rich local culture firsthand. It was such a rewarding experience,” she said.
Fan’s exploration of the state didn’t stop at food. She visited several well-known landmarks, including the Royal Museum, Alor Setar Tower, the iconic Masjid Zahir, and the historic Pekan Cina. Each location offered her a glimpse into Malaysia’s unique blend of history, architecture, and cultural diversity. “There is so much to see in Malaysia, and no two places are alike. Each state has its own distinctive charm and personality,” Fan reflected.
Her Malaysian journey extended beyond Kedah. Earlier in June, she traveled to Melaka, fulfilling her role as the state’s tourism ambassador, where she promoted the city’s rich historical heritage. Additionally, Fan had a royal encounter in Johor last December when she met His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, the current King of Malaysia. Her deepening connection with Malaysia’s states and her ambassadorial roles reflect a growing bond between Fan and the country.
Fan’s latest project, Mother Bhumi, marks her first time working on a Malaysian production. The film revolves around the character Hong Im, portrayed by Fan, a farmer grappling with the loss of her husband while raising two children. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when her character starts using magic to help the villagers with their daily problems, only to uncover a ghost that holds a shocking revelation about her husband’s mysterious disappearance. The film is set to be released in 2025 and boasts a diverse cast, including Hong Kong actress Natalie Hsu, Taiwanese actor Bai Run Yin, and Malaysian talent Pearlly Chua.
In addition to her admiration for the local culture, Fan had high praise for the Malaysian film crew, acknowledging their dedication and professionalism throughout the production process. “I was deeply moved by the level of commitment I saw from everyone on set,” she said. “The teamwork was truly inspiring, and the trust that existed between the crew members made it easy to give my best effort. I didn’t expect to encounter such dedication when I first arrived, but it has been incredibly motivating.”
Fan highlighted the collaborative spirit that defined the project, stating that the collective efforts of the cast and crew pushed her to perform at her highest level. “Everyone’s hard work drove me to ensure that I matched their dedication. The energy and passion on set were contagious, and I felt a responsibility to give my all,” she added.
As Fan Bingbing wraps up her time in Malaysia, her reflections on the country’s culture, people, and culinary delights, paired with her praise for the local film industry, reflect an enriching experience both personally and professionally. With the upcoming release of Mother Bhumi, Fan’s journey in Malaysia will be forever etched in the hearts of the local crew and audiences worldwide, further solidifying her status as an international film icon.
Fan’s involvement in a Malaysian production and her evident love for the country have left a lasting impression, marking this project as a significant chapter in her career. Her words and actions show that Malaysia’s cultural diversity and talent have gained a genuine admirer in the Chinese superstar.
Reference: Chinese actress Fan Bingbing says she loves Kedah, praises Malaysian film crew | The Star
Ronny M is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.