For Chong, it was more than just a screening – it was a homecoming of the heart: his film, which blends history, folklore and spirituality, draws deeply from the soil of his birthplace.
Set in the late 1990s, the film follows a woman who toils in the paddy fields by day and becomes a healer by night. The story unfolds in the rhythm of rural life, where the sacred and the everyday intertwine.
Internationally acclaimed Chinese actress Fan Bingbing portrays the lead role of a Malaysian woman of Siamese descent.
During the post-screening question-and-answer session, Chong’s voice was filled with both pride and nostalgia. “I chose this setting because I was born in Kedah, near the border with Thailand,” he told the crowd.
“It’s a place steeped in stories, where Siamese and British influences have long shaped our way of life.”
The Golden Horse Award-winning director revealed that the film draws on the mystical traditions of northern Malaysia – a subject close to his heart. “This area is very special. It’s where black magic, known locally as ‘gong-tau’, originated,” he went on.
“Both my parents were once sorcerers who helped remove curses. So even as a child, I was fascinated by these rituals.”
Chong also spoke fondly of how Fan came on board the project. The collaboration, he said, began with a surprise: an email from the superstar herself.
“She contacted my producer and, when we met, she showed such passion for the story. I was hesitant at first because she’s such a famous actress, but she told me, ‘You can destroy my face if you need to.’ That’s how committed she was.”
The Tokyo premiere marked Fan’s return to TIFF, 15 years after she won the Best Actress Award for “Buddha Mountain”. Taking the stage, she greeted the audience with a warm smile.
“Thank you for coming tonight for the first screening of this film,” she said. “It’s emotional to be back here after 15 years. I’m a Chinese actress in a Malaysian film – and that makes this journey even more special.”
Known for her roles in “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “I Am Not Madame Bovary”, Fan described “Mother Bhumi” as one of her most demanding performances yet.
“I had to learn four languages – Malay, Hokkien, Siamese and Indonesian. I trained online with the director for three months before filming, and then stayed in Kedah to learn how to plant rice.
“Every day, I was bitten by more than 100 mosquitoes!”
Despite the challenges, Fan said the experience was deeply rewarding. “Working with the Malaysian crew felt like being part of a family. They were so warm, so genuine – it reminded me why I love making films.”
TIFF, which runs until Nov 5, will feature 184 screenings and events – including 15 films competing in its main category – selected from nearly 2,000 entries worldwide.