KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 -- Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing is currently commanding attention with Mother Bhumi, her Malaysian cinema debut now screening nationwide.

Directed by Chong Keat Aun, the film casts Fan as Hong Im - a farmer by day and ritual healer who tends to her community by night.

Set in 1998, the movie was filmed in Kedah and explores multi-ethnic village life while grappling with supernatural elements.

The portrayal has led to several achievements, including Best Leading Actress at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards and the Golden Mulberry Award for Outstanding Achievement at the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy.

The role and success, however, did not come easy.

Speaking with Malay Mail, Fan shared that the biggest ch...