Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah-based horror thriller “Mantera” has landed a nationwide distribution deal with Malaysia’s renowned Skop Productions, marking a significant milestone for the State’s film industry.
The agreement, signed between “Mantera” Director Chester Pang and Skop Productions Managing Director Datuk Yusof Haslam, will see the film screening in 50 cinemas across Malaysia starting April 24, with the potential for expansion leading up to its release.
Produced by Kota Kinabalu-based Pro-Merge Vision, “Mantera” was made on a budget of RM1.2 million and blends supernatural horror with elements of ancient Dusunic traditions.
The 120-minute film follows Tana, a young woman who inherits mystical abilities from her bobolian lineage.
As evil forces threaten her village, eerie events and mysterious deaths unfold, forcing her to confront a dark entity with the help of Inspektor Zaf, a policeman haunted by his past.
The film features Jovenea Jim as Tana and Syafie Naswip as Inspektor Zaf, alongside veteran actor Namron and rising talents Eva Sandra Duin and Devey Grayc.
Jovenea, the 2011 State Unduk Ngadau first runner-up, has a strong background in television and film, having won Best Actress for the short film “Ninavau” in 2019.
Syafie, an acclaimed Malaysian actor, has earned multiple accolades, including Best Actor at the Malaysian Film Festival and Anugerah Skrin.
Beyond its horror elements, “Mantera” showcases Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes and delves into its indigenous heritage.
The film serves as Pang’s directorial debut in feature filmmaking, following his extensive work in documentaries, television and short films.
“Through ‘Mantera’, I aim to craft a compelling visual narrative that intertwines supernatural horror with cultural traditions,” said Pang.
“The film not only delivers suspense and thrill but also serves as a gateway to understanding the depth of our indigenous beliefs.”
The cinematography is helmed by Tim Stephen, one of Sabah’s leading cinematographers, known for his work on “Sinakagon”, the first Sabah-produced film to stream on Netflix.