"Lubuk" reveals a human trafficking syndicate with elements of psychological thriller

Writer: Nisa Irina

Mark Lee See Teck directs and produces "Lubuk"

16 Jul - It was the dark and sinister issue of the criminal syndicate of human trafficking and organ harvesting that inspired production company Humanity Universal Serenity (HUG) to produce the psychological thriller, "Lubuk".

At the recent gala premiere of "Lubuk" at GSC The Starling Mall, Petaling Jaya, director and producer of the film, Mark Lee See Teck said that originally, the plot of the film was to revolved only around the illegal harvesting and sale of organs that are intended to be exported abroad.

"After discussing with another writer, we finally agreed to add elements of 'psycho-thriller' and horrific scenes to make the storyline of this film more interesting. The title of this film was also suggested by one of our actors, Jun Lojong, and we immediately agreed," said Mark, who shared his interest in the "SAW" film franchise.

Mark Lee alongside the cast of "Lubuk"

Mark admitted that the main challenge faced by the production was the issue of the shortage of funds to cover the cost of making the film as well as the short filming period of 14 days.

"Of course, our main challenge is the low cost of production because we do not receive funding from the FINAS (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia). Our production cost was less than RM1 million. However, we have a production crew and cast who are very supportive and cooperative. They didn't even question about the payment and so on," explained Mark.

Tony Eusoff stars in the psychological thriller

Chew Kin Wah being cheeky at the press conference

Mark added that there were four scenes that contained profanity and consuming alcohol that had to be cut to meet the Aged 16 viewing classification from the Film Censorship Board (LPF).

"Lubuk" tells the story of a shelter in a remote part of town for the homeless that actually hides the dark trade of an underground organ-harvesting hub operated by a surgeon who has split personality.

The film stars a cast of esteemed actors such as Tony Eusoff, Junainah Lojong, Megat Sharizal, Amirah Razak, Chew Kin Wah, Han Zalini and Alvin Wong.

"Lubuk" will be meeting audiences in cinemas from 18 July.

Cinema Online, 16 July 2024