Why is the Turkish Horror Movie ‘Sijjin’ Facing Backlash for Its Movie Poster?

In a bold move that has left some netizens outraged, the promotional tactics of the recently released horror film, “Sijjin,” have sparked controversy. The movie, directed by Indonesian filmmaker Hadrah Daeng Ratu and produced by Rapi Films, has become a hot topic due to both its marketing strategy and its unsettling storyline.

The marketing team staged a controversial ritual at a Malaysian cinema. Actors in prayer garments chanted around a staged “dead” body. Netizens criticized it as insensitive and disrespectful to Islamic beliefs, sparking backlash on social media.

In response to criticism, FINAS intervened swiftly, directing GSC to replace the movie poster. The original, featuring Arabic verses on a black cloth around a woman believed to be possessed, notably included the “Ayatul Kursi” Throne Verse, leading to the regulatory order.

Released on December 28, “Sijjin” is a remake of the 2014 Turkish horror film “Siccîn.” The cast includes Ibrahim Risyad, Anggika Bölsterli, and Niken Anjani.

The film’s plot centers around the tumultuous love affair between Irma and her cousin Galang, who already married. Irma’s unhealthy obsession with Galang leads her to seek the assistance of a shaman to cast black magic on Galang’s wife, triggering a series of supernatural disturbances, possessions, and deaths within Galang’s household. However, as the plot unfolds, Irma discovers that she has become the target of the same malevolent forces.

Despite the film’s creative narrative, it has not been without its share of criticism, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Some segments of Islamic culture frown upon the promotion and viewing of content depicting black magic, raising concerns and objections within these communities.

“Sijjin” has undeniably stirred a blend of curiosity and controversy, prompting a reevaluation of the boundaries between creative expression and cultural sensitivity within the horror genre.