After ‘White’ grossed RM2.5m, Malaysian filmmaker JeRR returns with ‘Lunar July’, inspired by the Chinese ghost month

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Malaysian filmmaker JeRR PS Rion has returned to the silver screen with Lunar July, a supernatural film inspired by the Chinese Ghost Month. Following the commercial success of his folk-horror movie White, which earned over RM2.5 million at the box office, JeRR drew upon his experience promoting White to create a new cinematic experience.

The director gained insight into the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, or Ghost Month, by visiting a backstage performance and hearing stories from festival organizers. This sparked his interest in exploring the festival's traditions and led to a complete reimagining of his screenplay.

Initially intended as a comedy, the film's direction shifted as JeRR and his team delved deeper into Chinese Malaysian folk culture, customs, and religious beliefs. They aimed to rewrite the story, avoiding the reproduction of a single legend, and instead create a more comprehensive and uplifting narrative.

Rather than focusing solely on horror, Lunar July seeks to highlight the values behind the Hungry Ghost Festival's traditions, particularly the practice of honoring wandering spirits (the "Good Brothers") and offering tributes to the deity Da Shi Ye. The filmmaker emphasized that these practices symbolize generosity, compassion, and care for others, rather than simply seeking divine protection.

Lunar July stars He Jiahao, Mo Peiling, and Du Hailun and is currently playing in cinemas across Malaysia.