Locarno Winner Woo Ming Jin’s English-Language Debut ‘The Camford Experiment’ Set at Busan Asian Project Market

As a cinephile with a penchant for films that delve deep into societal issues and challenge the status quo, I am thrilled about “The Camford Experiment.” Malaysian filmmaker Woo Ming Jin’s English-language debut promises to be a gripping exploration of Asian identity and racial stereotypes in Western society. Having spent significant time in both Malaysia and the US, I can relate to Woo’s feelings of being an outsider.


Malaysian filmmaker Woo Ming Jin is all set to introduce his first English production titled “The Camford Experiment” at the Asian Project Market in Busan. This social horror movie, jointly penned with producer Gerry Kim, delves into the topics of Asian identity and racial prejudices prevalent in Western communities.

Filmmaker Woo, recognized for movies such as “Tiger Factory” and “Stone Turtle,” both honored at Locarno, found creative influence from his life within marginalized communities in Malaysia and the United States. “I’ve always felt like a stranger, lacking a sense of belonging anywhere,” Woo expressed. “My aim was to tackle something personal, specifically the portrayal of Asians in Western societies, particularly America.

The movie primarily focuses on Aiden Rhee, an exceptional basketball player at a school that subtly indoctrinates its students with racially biased beliefs. Woo intends to debunk Asian social prejudices and depict the ramifications of going against established societal norms.

2023 marked the commencement of “The Camford Experiment” at the International Financing Forum, held during the Toronto International Film Festival. Following the project due to its intriguing concept, producer Kim (award-winning producer from “I’m No Longer Here”) became involved. Kim was enthralled by the possibility of leveraging genre as a disguise to discuss the complexities of contemporary racism and stimulate crucial conversations for a broader audience. In their own words, “The opportunity to delve into the intricacies of modern racism using genre as a Trojan horse is what truly excited me.

Film producer Alvaro Valente, who won at Sundance with “Night Comes On”, was drawn to this project due to its emphasis on societal concerns. He found the concept incredibly powerful and pertinent, while appreciating the commercial viability of its storytelling and characters. Being involved in a project that amplifies an exceptional talent like Ming Jin’s voice within the U.S. market is thrilling for him.

The team intends to kick off production in Q3 2025 with a tentative launch in early 2026. They aim to lock down their financing by Q1 2025. At Busan, the filmmakers are working on finding financial backers and creating excitement for the project. “We know how fierce the competition is,” said Kim, “and our team realizes that it’s crucial to spark interest long before production starts.

In “The Camford Experiment,” Woo intends to create a movie that not only amuses viewers but also stimulates conversations about personal identity. As he puts it, “We invite everyone, regardless of their background or opinions, to join us on this journey, and we aim to have a good time together throughout the process.

From October 5th to 8th, I’ll be fortunate enough to attend the Asian Pitch Market (APM), a captivating event that forms a significant part of the Busan International Film Festival. This esteemed festival runs from October 2nd to the 11th.

Locarno Winner Woo Ming Jin’s English-Language Debut ‘The Camford Experiment’ Set at Busan Asian Project Market

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2024-10-05 11:46