KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Following the success of his folk-horror film White (2025), which grossed more than RM2.5 million at the Malaysian box office, local filmmaker JeRR PS Rion has returned with another supernatural production, Lunar July.

This time, the director is drawing inspiration from the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, commonly known as Ghost Month observed by Chinese communities across East and Southeast Asia.

The film, which opened in Malaysian cinemas on October 29, features an elaborate recreation of the festival, including a towering Da Shi Ye effigy, a grand ceremonial hall and a traditional seventh-month getai stage.

For JeRR, who also directed White, the inspiration for his latest film came from an unexpected experience while promoting his previous production.

In a statement, he revealed that he had the opportunity to venture backstage at a Hungry Ghost Festival stage performance, where he gained firsthand insight into the culture surrounding getai shows and heard numerous stories about what happens both on and off stage.

The experience sparked his interest in exploring the festival and its traditions, eventually becoming the starting point for Lunar July.

Initially conceived as a comedy, the project underwent a major transformation following the box-office performance of White, which helped renew interest in Malaysian folk-horror films.

With audiences anticipating his next project, JeRR and his team decided to abandon the original comedic approach and completely rewrite the screenplay, drawing inspiration from Chinese Malaysian folk culture, traditional customs and religious beliefs.

“During the writing process, I approached local residents to learn more about the origins of the Da Shi Ye legend but was unable to find a definitive explanation,” JeRR said.

“This led the team to question why a deity revered in folk religion would be portrayed in certain tales as a figure responsible for taking the lives of innocent infants.”

Rather than simply reproducing an existing legend, the filmmakers decided to reimagine the story and develop a more complete and uplifting conclusion.

“Through the film, we hope to encourage audiences to look at Da Shi Ye from a different perspective, rather than forming misconceptions about the deity based solely on an unverified tale,” he added.

Beyond its supernatural storyline, JeRR also wants to highlight the values behind the Hungry Ghost Festival’s traditions, particularly the practice of paying respects to wandering spirits, affectionately known as the “Good Brothers”, and making offerings to Da Shi Ye.

He emphasised that these practices are not merely acts of seeking divine protection but also reflect generosity, compassion and care for others.

Combining folk beliefs, religious traditions and horror, Lunar July offers a cinematic exploration of Chinese Malaysian cultural practices surrounding the Hungry Ghost Festival.

The film stars He Jiahao, Mo Peiling and Du Hailun and is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.