This month, actor-director Xian Lim heads to Thailand to shoot his latest film, a horror thriller titled Kuman Thong. Xian also penned the script, drawing inspiration from Thai mythology.
“It’s based on a Thai myth about stillborn fetuses that are believed to bring luck and protection if properly cared for. In the Philippines, we have a similar concept with the tiyanak,” he shares.
The 34-year-old Xian clarifies, “However, the Kuman Thong isn’t necessarily a monster. In ancient Thailand, monks would perform rituals on stillborn babies, believing their spirits could be inhabited by other deceased children. These fetuses were then cremated and adorned with gold leaf, earning the name ‘Kuman Thong,’ which translates to Golden Boy.”
“Offerings are made to the Kuman Thong in exchange for safety and good luck. But if neglected, they can become mischievous or even harmful, much like a young child,” he goes on.
With a new genre under his belt, does Xian feel pressure? “There’s definitely some pressure,” he admits. “This is my first full-length horror film. My goal is to do justice to the Thai mythology and capture its authenticity.”
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After over two decades in the entertainment industry, Katrina Halili is thrilled to finally receive her first acting recognition at the recently concluded Emirates Film Festival in Dubai. She took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in AbeNida.
“Winning at such a prestigious film festival still feels surreal,” Katrina shared. “It’s a huge honor to be recognized for my acting, especially considering the talented actresses from various countries I was competing against. Standing out amongst such a roster is tough, so I’m incredibly happy that my efforts were rewarded.”
This win marks a significant step forward in Katrina’s acting career.
“Honestly, I never expected to win an acting award,” she admitted. “Sure, I received recognition from ‘FHM’ before, but that was for my looks, not my acting skills. After that, I didn’t hold out hope for an acting trophy. That’s why I’m so grateful for this – I just kept working hard, and it paid off.”
