The recently released horror movie “Sijjin” has sparked heated debates and faced criticism for its promotional tactics and storyline in both Malaysia and Indonesia. Directed by Hadrah Daeng Ratu and produced by Rapi Films, the film hit theaters on December 28, 2023.
Controversial Marketing Stunt in Malaysia
The movie’s marketing team faced backlash after staging a ritual at a cinema in Malaysia. Actors, dressed in prayer garments, were seen chanting in front of a mock “dead” body. The depiction was deemed offensive and disrespectful to Islamic beliefs by numerous netizens who found the promotional tactic to be in poor taste.
National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Intervenes
Responding to the widespread criticism, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) took action. They instructed Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) to replace the movie poster, which originally featured Arabic verses on a black cloth around a purportedly possessed woman. It was later revealed that the Throne Verse of the “Ayatul Kursi” was included in the poster, leading to concerns about religious insensitivity.
Poster Replacement Ordered
In compliance with FINAS’ directive, GSC will replace the controversial poster. The move aims to address the religious sensitivities and maintain cultural respect in the marketing of the horror film.
Controversial Movie Plot
Aside from the marketing debacle, “Sijjin” faced criticism for its plot in both Indonesia and Malaysia. The storyline revolves around a young woman named Irma, who becomes obsessed with her married cousin, Galang. Seeking the help of a shaman, Irma resorts to black magic to harm Galang’s wife, triggering a series of supernatural disturbances, possessions, and deaths in Galang’s household. The movie’s portrayal of black magic has been met with disapproval in regions where such practices are prohibited in Islamic culture.
Backlash in Indonesia and Malaysia
The movie’s depiction of black magic has stirred controversy, with some audiences expressing disapproval of the film’s theme. In both Indonesia and Malaysia, where certain Islamic cultural norms prohibit the promotion or depiction of activities deemed “evil,” “Sijjin” has faced criticism for its choice of subject matter.
Despite the controversy, the film, a remake of the 2014 Turkish horror movie “Siccîn,” continues to attract attention, albeit for reasons beyond its intended scares.
