‘Mother Bhumi’ Explores Witchcraft, Folklore & Politics

By Danial Martinus • 22 Apr 2026 in Movies & TV

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After premiering worldwide to much acclaim at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival last year, Malaysian-Italian co-production Mother Bhumi will finally be making its way to local cinemas on 14 May 2026.

In the run-up to its Malaysian premiere, director Chong Keat Aun, along with Fan Bingbing, Bai Run-yin, Natalie Hsu, and Pearlly Chua will hold a meet-and-greet tour with stops in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Penang, and Kedah. It’ll run from 10 to 14 May.

Set in the paddy fields of rural ’90s Kedah

Mother Bhumi follows the story of Hong Im (Fan Bingbing), a widowed Kedah farmer by day and a ritual healer by night. The film is set in the 1990s, with land disputes in a Siamese village that then lead to strange occurrences.

When the sun sets, Hong Im’s primary job is to heal her community, resisting dark forces while confronting the sobering realities of borders, ethnicity, power, and the patriarchy.

The film explores elements of ritual healing, though some might call it witchcraft or black magic, as well as female empowerment and land issues.

Mother Bhumi earned eight nominations at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards, winning Best Leading Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Film Song. Fan Bingbing managed to bag her first Golden Horse Best Leading Actress Award for her portrayal of the “Kedah Witch”.

The film was also selected for the Main Competition at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival and the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy.

Watch the trailer below: