Saturday, 28 June 2025

Sarawak’s IainWithEyes Studios making waves in film industry

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‘Kumang’ proudly listed among the nominees for Best Short Film at FFM33.

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WHO would have thought that a budding film and TV production company from Sarawak would be making waves alongside some of Malaysia’s most renowned film producers at the 33rd Malaysia Film Festival (FFM33)?

Nominated for the Best Short Film category, IainWithEyes Studios has successfully brought their short film ‘Kumang’ to the stage of what is often referred to as Malaysia’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Behind the camera, Iain (centre) works meticulously to bring Sarawakian heritage to life.

IainWithEyes Studios chief executive director (CEO) Iain Raphael Bong Shing Loong expressed his excitement, highlighting that the event will feature big names such as Jin Ong and Nik Amir Mustapha.

With the official results for FFM33 set to be revealed tomorrow (Dec 7) at the Auditorium Seri Angkasa, Iain said their nomination was merely the start of an exciting journey ahead.

“We truly believe this is just the beginning. This is what our company stands for, what we fight for. Sarawak Media Group (SMG) and TVS are also championing stories like ours, and alongside us. It’s about paving the way for future generations too.

“Our hope is for this to become the norm rather than an exception. It shouldn’t feel like a bizarre occurrence. We want stories like ‘Kumang’ to be a regular part of the conversation,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.

Iain described the nomination of ‘Kumang’ at the FFM33 as an incredible moment but pointed out that such reactions highlight a deeper issue.

He questioned why such recognitions are not more common and why they feel so exceptional when they occur, saying this kind of acknowledgment should not feel extraordinary but rather normal.

“Normal in the sense that our stories are heard, that they are treated equally alongside others. It’s almost strange—like something you’ve never seen before. But why does it have to be that way? Why can’t it just be normal?” he added.

Iain expressed his hope that stories from Borneo, particularly those from Sarawak, will no longer be seen as mere novelties.

Instead, he envisions a future where these stories are appreciated for their substance and the lessons they impart, just like any other story.

True storytelling, he believes, requires a genuine connection to the narratives being shared.

“It’s important for Borneo narratives to be treated equally, on par with other stories, rather than being seen as something entirely different or exotic.

“Storytelling should have depth and authenticity. You can’t just tell stories for the sake of telling them because audiences can sense when a story lacks sincerity or purpose,” he stressed.

Director Kim Randu Patrick with the clapperboard on the set of ‘Kumang’.

For Kim Randu Patrick, the studio manager and producer of IainWithEyes Studios, as well as the writer-director of the 13-minute short film ‘Kumang’, the nomination represents something far greater than just recognition.

The film, which was inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, holds deep personal significance for Kim.

She expressed her commitment to continuing this journey, with a mission to represent her culture and demonstrate to the world that Sarawakians have stories that matter—not just as another race or another tale, but as narratives that bring unique value.

“Our stories bring value to the table, just like anyone else’s.

“Seeing ‘Kumang’ nominated alongside so many talented filmmakers—which we wholeheartedly congratulate—proves that our stories matter.

“It shows there is a place for us in this space and serves as a reminder that the world can learn to appreciate what we have to offer,” she said.

Kim also shared a piece of wisdom passed down to her by Cheyenne Tan, the first Sarawakian to have a film nominated for an Oscar.

The quote, which Kim holds dearly, resonates deeply with her.

“Someone once told me, ‘I hope you take this as a sign that your stories are worth telling, that people want to hear your voice and see your vision. Your story matters, and you, as a filmmaker and artist, matter.

“Youre not just shouting your ideas into the void. No matter how big or small you feel, there will always be people who want to see and hear it. And sometimes, they even want to give you pretty statues for it. But it doesn’t matter if they do or not, as long as you keep doing it’,” said Kim.

She then stressed that while people from outside can tell indigenous stories, they cannot capture the same essence or vibe that local people experience.

As she explained, “We understand it because we live it.”

She also highlighted the importance of representation, noting that being nominated and standing alongside other filmmakers sends a powerful message.

“Representation really matters. The fact that it affects us so deeply—both as filmmakers from Sarawak and as a community—speaks volumes. Everyone who saw that felt the impact,” she said.

The team behind ‘Kumang’, together on the journey.

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