# Liyana Jasmay directs Malaysian horror with 'Pemuja Syaitan'

> The actress makes her feature directing debut with a supernatural thriller inspired by Fear Street but rooted in local sensibilities.
- Title: Liyana Jasmay directs Malaysian horror with 'Pemuja Syaitan'
- Summary: The actress makes her feature directing debut with a supernatural thriller inspired by Fear Street but rooted in local sensibilities. Liyana Jasmay is…
- Keywords: liyana jasmay, pemuja syaitan, malaysian cinema, horror, fear street, zul ariffin, elizabeth tan, primeworks studios, skop productions, feature directorial debut, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2026/09/16/pemuja-syaitan-liyana-jasmay-puts-a-malaysian-spin-on-fear-street-for-feature-directing-debut-video/235380
- Author: Ian Jeremiah Patrick
- Published: 2026-09-16T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: liyana jasmay, pemuja syaitan, malaysian cinema, horror, fear street, zul ariffin, elizabeth tan, primeworks studios, skop productions, feature directorial debut, news, world
## From actress to director
Liyana Jasmay, known for films like Histeria and Papadom in the 2000s, is making her feature directorial debut with supernatural horror-thriller Pemuja Syaitan.
## Star-studded cast unveiled
The film was launched at 10Star Cinemas with its teaser and poster. It stars Zul Ariffin, Elizabeth Tan, Nadhir Nasar and Aila Azizul alongside other established actors.
## A reunion gone wrong
Former school friends reunite on a remote island to reminisce. When they rediscover a buried time capsule, long-hidden secrets surface and terrifying events unfold.
## More than jump scares
The film explores secrets, betrayal and the darker side of human nature when confronted with the past, not just frightening elements.

> Pemuja Syaitan is not simply a horror film that relies solely on frightening elements.
## Building tension and atmosphere
As director, Liyana wanted to ensure every story element builds tension and keeps audiences wondering what happens next throughout the film.
## Fear Street was the blueprint
Liyana cited the Hollywood horror series as a key reference and inspiration when developing Pemuja Syaitan's premise and approach.

> Fear Street is definitely one of my references and inspirations.
## But with a Malay identity
While Fear Street is very Hollywood, Liyana wanted something different with a distinctly Malay feel and elements familiar to local audiences.

> This film still has a distinctly Malay feel, with elements that are familiar and relatable to local audiences.
## Testing audience boundaries
Liyana is trying to understand how far Malaysian audiences will embrace more extreme horror-thriller elements while staying grounded in what they recognize.

> This is one of my first films, so I'm still trying to understand how far Malaysian audiences are willing to embrace something more extreme.
## An experiment in Malaysian horror
The film is both a movie and an experiment. If audiences accept it, Liyana hopes to push boundaries even further and be more daring next time.

> If they do, perhaps I can go even further and be more daring with my next film.
## Opening in horror month
Pemuja Syaitan releases in Malaysian cinemas on October 15, 2026. It's produced by Mermaid Studios and distributed by SKOP Productions.
## Key takeaway

Liyana Jasmay is testing how far Malaysian audiences will embrace darker horror-thriller elements while keeping the story distinctly Malay.