New horror film sheds semi-fictional light on Fraser’s Hill vanishing

Josiah Hogan stars as Scotsman Louis James Fraser in ‘Misteri Fraser 1910’. (Millionaire Films Production pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The mysterious disappearance of Scottish pioneer Louis James Fraser in 1910 – at the site now known as Fraser’s Hill in Raub, Pahang – has been reimagined for the big screen.

“Misteri Fraser 1910″, a historical horror flick set to premiere in cinemas tomorrow, is directed by Shuhaimi Zulkefli and stars Josiah Hogan as Fraser, with Amai Kamarudin, Siti Hariesa, Isyariana, Erry Putra, and others.

According to writer and co-executive producer Elani Aidid, the idea for the movie came about while scouting for a filming location at the hill resort in 2019.

“We came across the story of Mr Fraser, who mysteriously vanished after discovering a tin-ore deposit in the area and was never found again. In fact, some of the hiking trails there – such as the Bishop Trail and Abu Suradi Trail – are named after people involved in the search for him.

“That sparked in me the idea to research and create a theory behind his disappearance, which eventually led to the making of this movie.”

Elani said besides being a popular tourist spot, Fraser’s Hill holds its share of mysteries, including the disappearance of the Scottish pioneer.

She noted that, while Fraser’s story is well-known and frequently searched online, the movie is only “inspired by” the true events that took place 115 years ago. It has been fictionalised based on her own research, local accounts, and commercial elements to make it suitable for cinema.

“I can say that half of the film is based on true events, while the other half is fiction,” Elani revealed, adding that the screenplay was funded by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) under its script development grant.

She also highlighted that the film transports viewers to 1910 with period-accurate dialogue, costumes, and props.

Elani further shared that “Misteri Fraser 1910” was recently recognised for Best First-Time Filmmaker at the Lift-Off Global Network Sessions Vol 4 held at Pinewood Studios in the UK.

It competed against 26 films from various countries, and received the highest number of votes from international viewers at the festival held from April 21-May 4.

The producers have also submitted “Misteri Fraser 1910” to 32 other international competitions.

(Millionaire Films Production pic)