26 Nov – Malaysia's film industry has been dominated by horror, action, and comedy scripts, making it rare to find a local film that genuinely highlights cultural nuances with a touching storyline. MyContent Distribution Sdn Bhd was inspired to produce "Tegkang", a film which title means 'Rainbow' in the Kelabit language of Sarawak. Executive producer Lyn Nasihin explained that the film, conceived by director Josh Nawan, is more than a love story - it explores themes of love, freedom, and promise-keeping. The film stars Syafie Naswip as Hanafi, a tourist, and Michelle Lungan, a Kelabit actress, as Rinai, a local girl from Bario, Sarawak. Hanafi's arrival in the village transforms Rinai's life, ultimately revealing an old secret.
Notably, the production used 99 percent Kelabit local actors and filmed almost entirely in Bario, showcasing a culture rarely seen beyond Sarawak's typical narratives of headhunting. "While Sarawak is known for certain stories, it's rich with diverse, fascinating cultures," Lyn expressed. The film has already achieved significant recognition, winning the Jury Award at the Lift-Off Festival hosted by Pinewood Studios UK and being selected as the closing film of the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) 2024. At the Borneo Arts and Creative Awards (BACA) 2024 last September, it won Best Female Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Feature Film.
Director Josh Nawan drew inspiration from his grandfather's life, transforming personal memories into a compelling narrative. Despite logistical challenges - including a 15-hour road trip to Bario and cold weather that made filming difficult - he remained committed to the project. "I hope Tegkang will be well-received and, more importantly, serve as a platform for people to understand Bario and the Kelabit people," Josh said. The film will be released in cinemas nationwide on 28 November.