His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted a royal audience to the internationally acclaimed actress Datuk Fan Bingbing at Istana Pasir Pelangi on Tuesday (12 May). The actress currently serves as Melaka’s Tourism Friendship Ambassador, playing a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia through the global film industry.
According to an official statement posted on His Majesty’s Facebook page today (14 May), the meeting highlighted the intersection of cultural diplomacy and cinema.
Global recognition via ‘Mother Bhumi’
Fan Bingbing is the main cast of ‘Mother Bhumi’, a Malaysian production directed by award-winning local filmmaker Chong Keat Aun, who has earned recognition at numerous international film festivals.
Besides Fan Bingbing, the film features a diverse international ensemble, including:
- Natalie Hsu (Hong Kong)
- Bai Run-yin (Taiwan)
- Pearlly Chua, Alvin Wong, Rithaudin, and Pauline Tan (Malaysia)
Mother Bhumi has bolstered Malaysia’s profile on the global film circuit, securing accolades and screenings at the Golden Horse Awards, the Tokyo International Film Festival, and the Far East Film Festival.
Also in attendance at the royal audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were Mother Bhumi producer Wong Kew Soon, director Chong Keat Aun, and Fan Bingbing’s manager, Jersey Chong, who is originally from Johor.
The narrative of Mother Bhumi
Mother Bhumi is a Malaysian feature that weaves together folklore, history, spirituality, and rural drama. Set near the Malaysia–Thailand border in the late 1990s, the story centres on Hong Im (played by Fan Bingbing), a woman living in a remote village in Kedah.
By day, she works as a rice farmer; by night, she serves as a traditional healer or shaman (bomoh).
According to descriptions from Golden Screen Cinemas and IMDb, Hong Im resorts to black magic to assist the local villagers, until a spirit reveals a disturbing truth regarding her husband’s death.
The film explores:
- Local myths and folk beliefs
- Mystical traditions
- The intricacies of village life
- Themes of identity, survival, and spirituality
Primarily filmed in Kedah, the movie’s setting in the rural borderlands provides a powerful cultural and atmospheric focus, drawing heavily from northern Malaysian traditions and supernatural heritage.
Mother Bhumi arrives in cinemas today (14 May). You can view the trailer below:
