Rizal Halim, the first local director to produce a film in Australia, is optimistic his first masterpiece, 'Lurking Wood' will be a major success at the international level.

The 44-year-old director is hoping that the 80-minute suspense thriller could be aired soon as he was currently in the midst of discussions with international film distributors.

"The film is exciting. When it was previewed in Perth, we received positive feedback. Some in the audience were seen crying. I also cannot wait to broadcast this film in our country," he told Bernama recently.

Rizal said the film was produced by Rod Manikam who is the owner of Rodman Picturess Pte Ltd based in Perth, while the script writer is Desmond Hew.

"Both of them are Malaysians," he said.

Rizal said they were also planning to participate in several film festivals for example in Hong Kong, Australia, Cannes, Los Angeles and Canada.

- Bernama