Director & Cast Share Insights During Azimat Press Conference
KUCHING: The press conference held after the Azimat movie premiere offered a concise and candid look into the creative intentions behind the Sarawak-made psychological horror film.
Director Kayzee Cortez said the story centres on the emotional struggles faced by young people, with horror used to illustrate how fear and desperation can lead a person into darker choices.
“We wanted to tell the story of troubled young people, and we used the element of horror to show how desperation can sometimes draw a person to the wrong things,” he said.
Kayzee shared that several cast and crew members experienced unsettling moments during late-night shoots in remote locations, though he personally did not witness anything unusual.
He added that the casting process involved multiple rounds of screen tests to ensure each role carried the emotional weight required by the story.
Actress Heidi Abyana, who plays Jasmine, described the challenge of portraying a character whose decisions differ sharply from real-life choices.
“You have to bring out what he has written because he wants to convey a message,” she said, recalling that some scenes required stepping far outside her comfort zone.
She also recounted the eerie atmosphere of filming at the Rumah Bomoh location, where some crew members reported hearing voices or feeling touches during night shoots.
Kayzee later spoke briefly about his future aspirations, noting his interest in experimenting with different genres.
The director added that he hopes he could continue to draw inspiration from regional cinema and aims to develop stories that resonate on a deeper level.
Despite the intense moments during filming, the session ended on an encouraging note.
Both speakers expressed appreciation for the teamwork behind Azimat and reflected on how the experience highlights the growing confidence of Sarawak’s creative community, a sign that more local stories are ready to emerge and take shape. -UKASnews
Reporter: Alezxandria Kapple & Betrice Britney Dee
Photographer: Alezxandria Kapple & Betrice Britney Dee
