Cross-Cultural Comedy-Horror ‘Pontianaks’ Unveiled at Taiwan Creative Content Fest

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Southeast Asian folklore meets Taiwanese culture in “Pontianaks in Taiwan,” a mini-series that follows two undead supernatural beings on a road trip across Taiwan.

The project, currently in development, is being presented at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). The series centers on two Pontianaks – bloodthirsty female vampires from Malay folklore – who leave Singapore in search of a new home in Taiwan.

Creator, co-writer, executive producer and director Goh Ming Siu draws inspiration from classic Hong Kong horror-comedies like the “Mr.

Vampire” series. “Growing up in Singapore, I’ve always been fascinated by our local and regional folk tales, which are not often represented outside of the area,” says Goh. “In this story, I’ve merged two of my favourite things to share my love for Southeast Asian folklore with the world.” The project tackles timely themes of immigration and belonging. “‘What is home?’ That is the main question our two Pontianaks ask themselves as they embark on a road trip in Taiwan in search of new refuge, and it’s a question that many young people today grapple with when it comes to immigration and laying down roots,” explains executive producer and co-writer Karl Gan.