Now, Malaysia’s cinematic spotlight shifts to “Sinakagon,” a fully Sabahan production making its Netflix debut on Dec 13.
Directed by Timothy Stephen, a Sabahan of Dusun-Siamese descent, this 117-minute film, supported by Finas, is a heartfelt tribute to his roots, told entirely in the Dusun dialect with an all-Dusun cast and crew.
“I was surprised and grateful,” Stephen, 41, told FMT Lifestyle about the debut of his film on Netflix.
“Netflix has strict quality control, and we didn’t have high-end equipment or a big budget. So, I’m incredibly thankful and proud that our film was picked. It’s definitely a first for a fully Sabahan film.”
“Sinakagon,” which means progeny in Dusun, is based on the legend of Huminodun, a goddess whose selfless sacrifice saved her people from natural disasters.
Huminodun’s legacy lives on in Sabah’s Kaamatan harvest festival and the Unduk Ngadau pageant, where the most beautiful local woman is crowned in her honour.
“The legend of Huminodun is close to my heart. I grew up hearing her stories, and they’re deeply meaningful to me,” said Stephen, who is based in Tambunan. “It is also very important to the Kadazandusun people. So, when I got the chance to direct a film, I knew this was the story I wanted to tell.”
The film, internationally titled “Bloodlines,” had a limited run in local cinemas in June, offering a fresh take on the legend of Huminodun rather than a straightforward retelling. Stephen reimagined the tale with a unique twist: Huminodun’s heir.
“The original myth doesn’t mention an heir, but as a filmmaker, I wanted to explore what could happen if her legacy continued,” he explained.
This creative idea was partly inspired by a 2007 digital photograph of a pregnant Huminodun by renowned Sabahan artist Yee I-Lann.
The film weaves mythology with symbolism, using semiotics to offer layers of meaning. “On the surface, you see one story, but beneath it, there’s a deeper narrative,” Stephen added.
That sense of deeper meaning wasn’t just in the story – it seemed to come alive on set.
One unforgettable moment during filming involved a scene where a bobolian (Kadazandusun shaman) character was summoning rain. As the actor recited an incantation, which included a made-up spell but real sacred verses, it actually started raining, disrupting the shoot multiple times.
“It happened three times!” Stephen recalled. “By the fourth attempt, we decided to mime the verses. One of the veteran actors said the incantation was powerful and could genuinely summon spirits. It was a humbling reminder of the cultural and spiritual depth we were portraying.”
Moments like these highlight the care and authenticity poured into the film – qualities that have earned it international recognition.
Stephen won Best First-Time Director for a Feature Film at the Milan Independent Awards, while the film became a top-five finalist at the Prisma Rome Independent Film Awards and received an official selection at the Barcelona Indie Filmmakers Fest.
“Our strongest selling point is the uniqueness of our cultures, but I think we tend to downplay that in our films. Many local productions stick to trends like action movies,” said Stephen, who holds a degree in film and video (cinematography) from Aswara.
“The success of ‘Sinakagon’ with a global audience proves that people are hungry for unique stories from Malaysia. That’s been my vision – to bring indigenous stories, especially Kadazandusun ones, to the world.”
For Stephen, “Sinakagon” is just the beginning. “I see this film as a guide, something to build on for my next project,” he said.
His next film, “Sogit” – which means penance – is a horror movie that will blend his Kadazandusun and Kedahan-Siamese heritage.
“Big dreams are important,” he said. “I want to keep making films that amplify indigenous voices and preserve our heritage.”