“The Mage,” a supernatural crime thriller directed by the Pang Brothers and starring Josie Ho, will be presented to international buyers at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) during the Busan International Film Festival. The screening coincides with the film’s premiere in several Asian territories.
Abnormal Studios, which holds the Southeast Asian distribution rights, will connect with potential buyers at the market. For remaining open territories, Abnormal will coordinate with producer 852 Films, which is managing subsequent sales inquiries and rights deals.
Produced by Conroy Chan for 852 Films, the Cantonese-language feature marks another genre collaboration for the Pang Brothers, known internationally for titles such as “The Eye,” “Bangkok Dangerous,” and “Re-Cycle.” Ho portrays Lan Pui Ching, a former spirit medium now working as a scavenger who collects discarded items believed to hold the spirits of those who died suddenly. Her goal is to guide these souls toward reincarnation, but her frequent appearances at suspicious death scenes catch the attention of police officer Wong Ming.
As the investigation reveals a series of killings tied to an arcane ritual, Lan and Wong must collaborate while confronting otherworldly dangers and unresolved personal history. The supporting cast includes Iman Taheri, Carlos Chan, German Cheung, Kathy Yuen, and Sabrina Ng. The movie blends horror, crime procedural, and Hong Kong spiritual folklore, targeting enthusiasts of midnight movies and cult cinema.
“The Mage” made its world premiere in July at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea, where Ho was honored with the Fantastic Icon Award for her contributions to the genre. Following the premiere, the film opened the Midnight section at the Bangkok International Film Festival and is scheduled for its European debut in the Sitges Collection strand at Spain’s Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.
Two regional distribution deals have already been finalized. Edko Films secured rights for Hong Kong and Macau, while CJ ENM Hong Kong handles Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The film launched in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan on Oct. 8, with Singapore following on Oct. 15 and Thailand on Oct. 29. Releases in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are planned for November.
Abnormal Studios, a subsidiary of Westec Media Limited, has been acquiring and distributing films since 2020 across Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Nepal. The company’s portfolio includes successful titles such as “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” and “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,” with more than 400 films released to date and approximately 100 titles brought to market annually.
Finally, some quality Hong Kong horror hitting Busan. I’ve been waiting for a proper genre collaboration from them again.
Is this just more of the same haunted house tropes, or does it actually bring something new to the table?
Josie Ho delivering another genre triumph? Count me in. The Pang Brothers never disappoint with these supernatural crime flicks.