Made in Sabah: Malaysia’s Indigenous Language Film Sinakagon Set for Netflix Debut

28 November 2024

KOTA KINABALU: An award-winning indigenous language film, made in Sabah is set to make its Netflix debut next month, marking a major milestone for the state’s budding film industry.

Sinakagon, directed by Timothy Stephen, is the first Sabahan film to be featured on the global streaming platform.

The film, shot entirely in the Dusun dialect—a language spoken by fewer than 800,000 people—revolves around the legend of Huminodun, a goddess deeply revered by the Kadazandusun ethnic group.

Stephen, who founded his production company, Stephen Q Films, just last year, expressed his delight at the film’s success.

“When Netflix approved our film, we were over the moon,” Stephen shared with This Week in Asia.

“We were amazed that we met their high technical and quality standards, especially since we worked with such a small budget and limited equipment.”

Produced on a modest budget of just RM200,000 (US$53,480) and with a team of only 30 crew members, Sinakagon—which means “progeny” in Dusun—was Stephen Q Films’ debut feature. The film was co-produced with Bamboo Sound Studio.

Despite its humble beginnings, the film has received international acclaim. It was a top-five finalist out of 100 films at this year’s Prisma Rome Independent Film Awards and earned an official selection at the Barcelona Indie Filmmakers Fest.

Stephen himself won the award for Best First-Time Director for a Feature Film in Milan.

While Sabah is widely celebrated for its stunning tourism offerings—such as deep-sea diving, orangutan encounters, and treks up Mount Kinabalu—its growing film industry has often flown under the radar. Stephen hopes Sinakagon will change that.

“To have a fully Sabahan production featured on Netflix sets a new benchmark for future projects from the state,” Stephen said.

“I believe this achievement will inspire greater recognition for our local talent.”

The film had a limited theatrical release across Malaysia in June, generating close to RM230,000 in revenue—an impressive outcome given its constrained budget.

Stephen is already looking ahead to his next project, a horror film titled Sogit, which means “penance” in Dusun.

The upcoming film will weave elements of his Dusun and Siamese heritage with a touch of Malay culture.

“This new film will include a unique twist connecting Dusun and Siamese traditions,” Stephen hinted.

“You’ll have to watch to discover how the two cultures intertwine.”

With plans for a theatrical release in June next year, Stephen is currently seeking funding from Malaysia’s national film development corporation as well as private investors.

“I want my next feature to surpass Sinakagon in every way,” he said.

Sabah’s burgeoning film industry may still be in its infancy, but with the international success of Sinakagon, the state’s filmmakers are beginning to capture the world’s attention, one story at a time.