Creating the World of Khadam

From Vision to Frame

Step behind the camera and discover how the haunting world of Khadam was brought to life.

Join Director Shamyl Othman and Director of Photography Haris Hue Abdullah as they share the creative journey behind building the visual language, atmosphere, and cinematic world of Khadam - from early ideas and references, to locations, lighting, framing, and the many creative decisions that shape what audiences eventually see on screen.

This talk is held in conjunction with Story to Screen, an exhibition organised by Red Communications at temu house, celebrating the art, craft, and imagination behind Malaysian filmmaking.

Creating the World of Khadam

A conversation with director Shamyl Othman & DOP Haris Hue Moderated by Ayu Amirrol 4th July, Saturday 11:00am - 1:00pm

RM20 per person

CloudJoi sign up link here: https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/6463-creating-the-world-of-khadam/

Exhibition runs Date: 20th June - 5th July

(Saturdays & Sundays only) Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm

---

About Shamyl Othman

Shamyl is a film director who's been working in the Malaysian film and television industry since 2004. As director/producer, he focuses on content development for a wide variety of television shows for local and regional broadcast; as well as feature films. Shamyl has directed 4 feature films - KAMI HISTERIA (Official Selection 25th Singapore International Film Festival, Hanoi International Film Festival, Best New Director nominee at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival), REMBAT (premiered at 2nd Silk Road International Film Festival in Fuzhou, China; Best Director nominee at the 28th Malaysian Film Festival), RAHSIA (Best Actress and Best Child Actor nominations at the 33rd Malaysian Film Festival) and KHADAM.

About Haris Hue Abdullah

Director of photography

He began as a storekeeper. Thirty-one years later, he stands among Malaysia's most respected cinematographers. Across 31 feature films and two Best Cinematography awards, Kheong's journey is a testament to a simple truth: talent may open doors, but perseverance creates legacy.

Today, as cinematographer of Khadam; his fourth horror feature that captivated audiences across Malaysia, he reminds us that success is rarely a single moment. It is the result of decades spent mastering a craft, one frame at a time.

About Khadam (the movie)

Khadam is a 2026 Malaysian-Indonesian psychological horror film directed by Shamyl Othman. Set in 1950s Malaya, it follows Melor, a mother who inadvertently inherits her family's saka (ancestral spirit) after her mother's death. The entity takes the form of a perfect version of Melor and slowly usurps her role as a wife and mother, forcing her to fight to reclaim her family and identity before she is completely erased.

Khadam trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBRD0cZkx4s

---

The Story to Screen Exhibition runs Date: 20th June - 5th July

(Saturdays & Sundays only) Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm

---

OTHER CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS

The Imagination behind Ejen Ali

A conversation with Usamah Zaid Yasin & Fuad Md Din Moderated by Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar 27th June, Saturday 3:00pm - 5:00pm

RM20 per person

Beyond The Fight: The Art of Action Storytelling in Blood Brothers

A conversation with Abhilash Chandra Moderated by Alia Mohd Azmi 28th June, Sunday 3:00pm - 5:00pm

RM20 per person

From Blank Page to the Big Screen: The Heart of Storytelling

A conversation with Fariza Azlina Isahak & Rafidah Abdullah Moderated by Noor Anwar Hadi 4th July, Saturday 3:00pm - 5:00pm

RM20 per person

Finding the Heart: The Emotional Journey Behind Kata Hati

A conversation with Nadiah Hamzah and Zharif Safian Moderated by Lina Tan 5th July, Sunday 3:00pm - 5:00pm

RM20 per person