While filming a reality series at Royal Belum rainforest (also known as Temenggor) in Perak back in 2016, director Feisal Azizuddin of Feisk Productions had an idea for a film revolving around a group of people living in the tropical forest. This fantastical premise would showcase a tribe, on the verge of extinction, having to deal with an old curse.

After going through many challenges in getting the film made with a tiny budget and a cast of unknowns, Temenggor was completed in 2017.

But it couldn't be released as local broadcasters and distributors were not interested in a Malaysian film in English.