The win on Sept 18 qualifies the film, which portrays life in the highlands of Bario, Sarawak, to compete in the final round of the Season Awards, an annual event at Pinewood Studios celebrating the best projects of the Lift-Off season.

Written and directed by Josh Nawan, “Tegkang” tells the story of life in a remote village that has kept a closely guarded secret for years – and which begins to unravel with the arrival of a visitor who befriends a local girl.

The film also highlights the uniqueness of Bario not only as a beautiful location, but as a place rich in cultural experiences including traditional festivals and age-old rituals not usually seen by the outside world.

Nawan said he is proud that “Tegkang”, which means “rainbow” in the Kelabit language, was recognised by the jury and stood out among other great films. As the Kelabit community is rarely represented in the arts, “this recognition means a great deal to us”, he said.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share a story so deeply rooted in heritage and thankful that this film will now reach even more audiences,” he added.

Meanwhile, “Tegkang” producer Lyn Nasihin hopes the film will help draw more attention to the diverse works emerging from Malaysia’s film industry.

The Lift-Off First-Time Filmmaker Sessions is a monthly online showcase dedicated to supporting the works of new directors. It comprises independent short and feature films from around the world, and serves as a stepping stone for filmmakers to gain recognition from new audiences and industry professionals.

Winners receive broad exposure, including opportunities to present future projects at Pinewood Studios, one of the world’s leading film studios.

Learn more about ‘Tegkang’ here.