Brief
Alejandro Hidalgo to Direct Malaysian Horror ‘The Hungry One’
The project is being sold worldwide by Abnormal Studios and has regional rights secured by Clover Films.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Variety reports that Alejandro Hidalgo, known for The Exorcism of God, will helm The Hungry One, a supernatural horror film set against Malaysia’s 15‑day Hungry Ghost Festival. The movie was introduced at the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents & Film Market, with Kuala Lumpur‑based Abnormal Studios handling worldwide sales.
The story follows American Emily, her Chinese‑Malaysian husband Simon, and their son Louis as they stay in Simon’s family mansion during the festival, when the underworld is believed to open. Emily becomes the target of a vengeful presence and must uncover the house’s hidden past.
Singapore‑based Clover Films has already secured rights for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Los Angeles‑based Lightning Pictures, led by filmmaker‑entrepreneur Justin Leong, is driving the project. Leong said the festival’s visual richness offers “movie gold” for horror audiences.
Hidalgo’s previous films include Venezuela’s hit The House at the End of Time, the 2021 The Exorcism of God (which sold to more than 150 countries), and the 2022 highest‑grossing Latin American film worldwide. Producer Harrison Allen, Oscar‑winning short‑film maker, and screenwriter Justin Parker are also attached. The film is currently in pre‑production as producers finalize financing.
Key facts
- Alejandro Hidalgo will direct the horror film The Hungry One, set during Malaysia’s Hungry Ghost Festival. (variety.com)
- Abnormal Studios is handling worldwide sales and introduced the project at the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents & Film Market. (variety.com)
- Clover Films has secured rights for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. (variety.com)
- The film follows an American family staying in a Malaysian mansion during the 15‑day festival. (variety.com)
- Producer Harrison Allen and screenwriter Justin Parker are attached; the project is in pre‑production. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “‘Exorcism of God’ Director Alejandro Hidalgo to Helm Malaysian Hungry Ghost Festival Horror ‘The Hungry One’ (EXCLUSIVE)”
