NEW film Sumpahan Jerunei (Curse of the Jerunei) aims to present a glimpse into the ancient history, culture and practices of the Melanau ethnic group in Sarawak.
Directed by Jason Chong, the film is a result of the relentless efforts of the two founders of production company Produksi Seni 2020 — Datuk Nancie Foo and Datin Wendy Wong — who took on various challenges to bring the horror feature to the big screen.
"We spent six years completing this film, and this included two years of in-depth research into the history and customs of the jerunei (burial pole).
"Fortunately, the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions, the Sarawak Museum, the Kuching Melanau Association and the Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry supported us with their gracious assistance and expertise," says Wong.
LONG JOURNEY
Wong reveals that the movie's script took a year to complete and was re-written a dozen times with the director before it was finalised.
"When we began our research on the jerunei in Mukah, Sarawak, we were not warmly welcomed by the natives.
"Nancie and I were a little frightened and the hairs on our necks stood up as we felt that people were following and observing us. However, things got better once the story was developed into a feature film."
Sumpahan Jerunei represents a comeback for the two producers after their nearly 30 years of absence from the film scene.
The last production under Produksi Seni 2020 was the 1994 action and romance movie Red Haired Tumbler Di Malaya.
Directed by Eddie Pak, the work garnered the Special Jury Award at the 12th Malaysia Film Festival in 1995 and also received a nomination at the New York Asian Film Festival.
INTERNATIONAL AIM
Wong explains that she and Foo wanted to produce a high-quality film worthy of being brought to the international arena.
"We were aware that this would require a big budget, but were willing to take the risk since we wanted to produce a work that could promote Malaysia as a tourist attraction to foreigners.
"We are very grateful for the help and support from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia and the Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry," she says.
The producers chose to feature the Melanau nobility in Sumpahan Jerunei since their descendant, Tommy Black, still resides in Mukah.
"Tommy owns the Sapan Puloh Museum in Mukah and has an archive of belongings related to the jerunei such as props, clothing and artifacts inherited from ancestors.
"We greatly appreciate his help as a consultant for the scenes involving the rituals of Melanau nobility," says Wong, who is responsible for the initial idea for the film.
She says the film cost RM5 million to make.
"This was due to extensive use of special visual effects and computer-generated images which involved filming against a blue screen.
"We forked out RM100,000 to transport technical equipment and huge designs from Kuala Lumpur to filming locations in Kuching.
"The film also involved over 100 personnel, including the cast, crew and extras made up of natives who could converse in Melanau."
Wong adds that filming took place in Kuching, Siburan and Mukah, over a 45-day period.
She explains: "Although it was done before the Movement Control Order, it was only after two years that we completed the editing process for the film."
ANCIENT BURIAL RITUAL
The core story of the film involves the terrifying burial ritual of the Melanau nobility involving the jerunei which took place in Borneo during the 13th century.
A village head or aristocratic individual who died would require two virgin slaves — one male and one female — to be sacrificed.
"The male slave would be thrown into a hole in the ground and the female slave would be hung to death on the jerunei pole.
"However, the ritual was abolished in the 19th century during the colonial reign of Charles Brooke in Sarawak," says Wong.
She adds that the film will shine a light on the culture in the region that not many people know about.
"The jerunei represents a historical symbol for the Melanau community and the wooden pole has lasted for hundreds of years.
"Aside from that, the film portrays the unique culture, clothing and cuisine of the Melanau people as well."
As for the message of the film, Wong says in a foreboding tone: "If an item does not belong to you, do not disturb it."
Sumpahan Jerunei, which stars Bront Palarae, Uqasha Senrose, Amerul Affendi, Syafie Naswip, Daiyan Trisha, Tony Eusoff, Ruminah Sidek, Yuyun Hikmah and many more, opens in cinemas nationwide on July 27.