Liew (fourth right), flanked by Noreini (on her right) and interviewer Norhazifa Mohamed, together with members of the production crew.
KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming documentary “Jungle Adventures – Borneo’s Lost Film”, originally shot in North Borneo (now Sabah) by American explorers Martin and Osa Johnson in 1921, will be developed as a new tourism product to showcase Sabah to the world, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said the film, featuring rare footage of the Kinabatangan and other scenes from the 1920s and 1930s, will strengthen Sabah’s appeal as a premier ecotourism destination.
In an interview with Rye Production Sdn Bhd here yesterday, Liew described the project as a wonderful opportunity to highlight Sabah’s enduring natural and cultural treasures.
“The Johnsons’ work shows us what North Borneo looked like more than 100 years ago. Their films offer a real historical glimpse of our forests, iconic wildlife, and friendly local communities,” she said.
According to her, the documentary not only honours the Johnsons’ contribution but also underscores Sabah’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage. “By looking at the past, we can show what we have today – and how much effort has gone into preserving that original beauty and life,” she added.
Liew expressed confidence that the film would inspire a new wave of travellers seeking meaningful and authentic experiences in destinations that care for both people and the environment.
She commended Rye Production for its initiative in retrieving the “lost film” from the Safari Museum in Kansas, describing the project as a priceless gift to Sabah. “It is truly a treasure and I look forward to our people experiencing these century-old glimpses of our land and culture,” she said.
The Minister also highlighted the cultural and tourism significance of the discovery, calling it an enrichment of Sabah’s heritage tapestry. “It is not just a film, but a story of who we are and how our land has inspired the world,” she noted.
The producers Noreini and Noorhayati Abdul Rahman informed that the documentary will be distributed through national television, film festivals and online platforms to reach audiences locally and internationally.
