TIMOTHY Stephen Tony Tanni (pic) is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions: pride, anxiety and gratitude.
In just two days, his film Sinakagon will take its place on the global stage as the first Sabahan movie to stream on Netflix.
“For me, this film feels small compared to other productions on Netflix or in cinemas. But I am both thrilled and deeply grateful that it has made it to such a widely recognised platform,” said the 41-year-old producer, director and scriptwriter from Tawau who now resides in Tambunan.
Sinakagon, a Dusun word meaning “lineage”, draws inspiration from the legend of Huminodun and the Kaamatan festival.
Huminodun, a revered figure in Kadazandusun and Murut folklore, sacrificed herself to save her people, giving rise to rice, a symbol of life and abundance, and the inspiration for the Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival in Sabah.
After premiering in cinemas on June 13, Sinakagon will debut on Netflix on Dec 13, bringing Sabah’s unique identity to a global audience.
Timothy said the journey to this milestone was all but easy.
Timothy captured in action while directing ‘Sinakagon’ which follows the journey of Eve Fiona Josepher, the heir of Huminodun.
The film was produced by Bamboo Sound Studio Sdn Bhd and Stephen Q Films Sdn Bhd.
With a modest RM200,000 budget funded by Finas, the production faced significant challenges, including a six-month delay due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Extended accommodations for the cast and crew, frequent rain and post-MCO scheduling conflicts added to the strain.
“The film’s schedule was revised multiple times due to the MCO, weather and cast availability. Most of the cast members have full-time jobs, so coordinating their schedules post-MCO was tough,” he said.
Timothy, who also handled cinematography, described the hurdles as immense but achievable through sheer determination and teamwork.
“We pushed forward despite everything because we believed in the story and its potential to represent Sabah on the big screen,” he said.
Alongside co-producers Datuk Francis Landong and Terence Blantocas, and with executive producers Fhilden Frencis, Frenysia Frencis, Rina Joyce Dilliam, and Sharon Stephen Tony Tanni, Timothy saw the project through to completion.
The distribution was negotiated by 10 Star Cinema, which worked hard to meet Netflix’s rigorous quality control standards.For Timothy, Sinakagon is more than just a film; it is a celebration of Sabah’s identity and an invitation for others to explore the untapped potential of local stories.
“We should not shy away from our cultural heritage. We are rich; rich in tradition and unique customs found nowhere else,” he said passionately.
Eve Fiona Josepher.
This milestone has ignited his ambition to create even higher-quality films, proving that smaller filmmakers can achieve international recognition.
“As a Sabahan, and with this being the first movie entirely in an Indigenous language, I am genuinely thrilled. This motivates us to do better. It is a big step for us and for Sabah’s film industry,” Timothy shared.
He is currently working on two films – Sogit and Sabahan Horror Story – both of which highlight local culture and storytelling.
Timothy explained that he is seeking funding for Sogit (traditional compensation), which he hopes to begin filming in 2025 and release in 2026, adding that this film will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Dusun and Siam communities.
The second project, Sabahan Horror Story, is a collection of four short films, with Timothy directing one segment titled “Momisok” – a Kadazandusun word meaning “an invitation to eat”, which is typically observed on the seventh day after someone’s death to celebrate the deceased and ensure they are in a better place.
The other three segments are directed by Chester Pang, Ahmad Multhazam and Jass Tarmin.
Timothy said the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with a cinema release planned for 2025.
Sogit will be produced by Stephen Q Films Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Bamboo Sound Studio Sdn Bhd, continuing Timothy’s commitment to celebrating Sabah’s identity and talent.
As anticipation builds for Sinakagon’s Netflix release, Timothy hopes the film’s success will inspire more works highlighting Sabah’s heritage.
The story of resilience and creativity behind the film serves as a beacon for Sabahan filmmakers, signaling a new era for local cinema on the global stage.
With the world now watching, Sinakagon is poised to leave an indelible mark, showcasing the beauty of the Land Below the Wind through its rich storytelling and cultural pride.
