The film 'Sinakagon', directed by Timothy Stephen, is making history as the first film from Sabah, Malaysia, to debut on Netflix. This groundbreaking film is shot entirely in the Dusun dialect, which is spoken by fewer than 800,000 people. 'Sinakagon' is based on the legend of the goddess Huminodun, a significant cultural narrative for the indigenous community. With a budget of 200,000 ringgit (approximately US$53,480) and a dedicated crew of 30, the film has already garnered attention on the international stage, being a finalist at the Prisma Rome Independent Film Awards and ranking in the top five at the Barcelona Indie Filmmakers Fest [73e7b275].
The film had a successful theatrical release in June, earning nearly 230,000 ringgit. Its debut on Netflix is anticipated to further expand its reach, especially as over 2.4 million tourists visited Sabah in the first nine months of 2024, generating more than 5.6 billion ringgit (US$1.3 billion) in revenue for the region [73e7b275]. Timothy Stephen's directorial efforts have not gone unnoticed; he received an award for best first-time director at a film festival in Milan, underscoring the film's artistic merit and potential impact [73e7b275].
Looking ahead, Stephen is actively seeking funding for his next project, a horror film titled 'Sogit', which he aims to release in June 2025. This move indicates his commitment to continuing the momentum of indigenous storytelling and expanding the cinematic landscape of Sabah [73e7b275]. The debut of 'Sinakagon' on Netflix not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Sabah but also represents a significant step for indigenous films in the global entertainment industry.