KOTA KINABALU: A documentary shot in Sabah in 1921, back then known as North Borneo, is set to be the state’s newest promotional tourism product, says Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister said that the documentary titled “Jungle Adventures – Borneo’s Lost Film”, was recorded by an American couple, Martin and Osa Johnson.
It was believed to be among the world’s first wildlife documentaries featuring Sabah’s Kinabatangan, she said, adding that the documentary with images from 1920 to 1930 would captivate viewers.
“This will be our new tourism product to promote Sabah to the world and I believe it will enhance Sabah’s appeal as a premier ecotourism destination,” Liew said.
In an interview with Norhazifa Mohamed from documentary-maker Rye Production Sdn Bhd on Wednesday (Sept 17), she said the documentary would be a wonderful way to show the world what makes Sabah a top destination for nature lovers.
“The Johnsons’ work shows us what North Borneo looked like more than 100 years ago. Their films are a real, historical look at our beautiful forests, iconic wildlife, and friendly local communities from a time long ago,” she said
Liew said this documentary would be a way to honour their contributions and to also show a strong commitment to protect nature.
She said by looking at the past, Sabah can show people what it had today and show how much hard work was put in to save much of that original beauty and life.
“I am confident that the documentary will encourage a new group of travellers who want real and special experiences, and long to visit a place that truly cares about both its people and its natural world,” she said.
Liew commended Rye Production for its bold initiative to set foot on America to retrieve the “missing film” from the Safari Museum in Kansas.
“The state government through my ministry appreciates what you are doing, and is fully supporting your trailblazing ventures,” she told producers Noreini and Noorhayati Abdul Rahman.
“It’s amazing that you are going to bring this visual history back to life. It’s truly a treasure for Sabah, and I am eager for our people to experience these century-old glimpses of our land and culture,” she said.
Asked on her reaction when told there was lost archival footage of North Borneo filmed by the Johnsons in the 1920s, Liew said she was excited that such a priceless piece of Sabah’s history survived.
“I was filled with pride that our state had been captured by the pioneering filmmakers Martin and Osa Johnson so long ago,” she said, adding this discovery means a lot for Sabah and its people.
“It is a gift to us as it reconnects us with our past. It means we can finally witness scenes of our ancestors, our wildlife, and our landscapes as they were a hundred years ago,” she said.
Liew said culturally, it enriches Sabah’s heritage tapestry as it is not just a film, but a story of who Sabahans were and how their land had inspired the world.
“From a tourism perspective, it adds a unique story that we can share globally, highlighting Sabah’s long-standing appeal and giving visitors a new appreciation of our history and natural beauty,” she said.
The producers informed the minister that the documentary, when ready, will be distributed through national television, film festivals and online platforms, among other channels, and aims to reach a wide audience both locally and internationally.
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