'Horror films reflect beliefs in society' Mon, Oct 03, 2011 | New Straits Times By Rozanna Latiff and Aisyah Sulaiman KUALA LUMPUR - Local film-makers said the horror genre reflects beliefs and practices prevalent among Malaysians and that it should not be blamed for spiritual or intellectual frailties in society. They acknowledged, however, that there should be more scientific approaches to the supernatural in local movies. Director Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri said many locally produced horror films relied too heavily on "spiritual" or "unnatural" elements. "In most of these films' plots, the solution is always the bomoh (spiritual healer). But there is always space in the horror film genre for more scientific or rational explanations, such as in psychological thrillers." He was responding to remarks by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that horror films were counter-productive to building a developed society because they encouraged a belief in mythical beings rather than the scientific approach. Dr Mahathir said the prevalence of ghost stories was responsible for the hysteria attacks among Malay female students. Ahmad Idham, who has directed both thrillers (Jangan Pandang Belakang, Senjakala) and horror-comedies (Hantu Bonceng), said audiences reacted differently to every film, depending on the content. "Some people are more easily affected by horror films, but that does not mean film-makers should be blamed for their fears. He said some films might even end up reinforcing audiences' faith as many Malay horror films, especially, advocated religion as a means of fighting evil. However, he said, he would take Dr Mahathir's concerns as a challenge when making films in the future. "I'm developing a horror film that will incorporate more scientific or psychological elements," he said, declining to elaborate further. Amir Muhammad, who co-directed the 2008 thriller Susuk, said the popularity of horror films merely reflected society's concerns. "We live in a superstitious society, so it is not surprising that many local films would cater to the public's demands for the supernatural. "They are only reflecting beliefs and practices that are already prevalent among Malaysians." More than 15 local horror films have been produced since 2007's box-office hit Jangan Pandang Belakang, which for three years held the record for the highest-grossing Malaysian film, garnering more than RM6.3 million (S$2.5 million). Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu also disagreed with the contention that horror films had a negative influence on movie-goers. "Movies are movies. For most people, they exist purely as entertainment or a pastime. Personally, I do not believe a horror film or any other kind of film has any real bearing or influence on people's beliefs." He said he did not believe there were too many horror films, especially considering the range of film genres available in the market. "There are so many movies in different languages from both the local and international film industries -- from English science fiction and Korean dramas to Tamil or Hindi movies. "Some people like romance or action, others prefer horror. The audience is free to choose the kind of films they want to see."