Kaamatan story brings tradition, love to the screen
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025
By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Crew members and actors in the 'Roti Kahwin' short film, including Pairin (fourth from left). Kota Kinabalu: A new short film celebrating Sabah's rich cultural attribute has made its mark this Kaamatan season. It is expected to be premiered during the finale of Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) on May 31. 'Roti Kahwin', a mockumentary-style romantic comedy displaying the beauty of identity, love and generational connections, all tied together by a comfort food, the Roti Kahwin (sandwich bread). Produced by Genevieve Duis, 41, and directed by Johan John from Kuala Lumpur, the 45-minute film blends humour and cultural sentiment, giving viewers a unique perspective on Kaamatan. This film is truly a labour of love. The main message is that food, especially something very simple as Roti Kahwin, can bring people together across generations and background. It is about celebrating culture in a fun and relatable way.
Advertisement 'We wanted to bring the young and old together, uniting respected Kadazandusun figures and passionate youth to create something fresh, yet deeply rooted in tradition. 'Kaamatan isn't just a reflection of the past. Rather, it's a living, evolving expression of who we are,' said Genevieve, from Kg Nosoob, Penampang. The film also boasts two surprise acting debuts, by Huguan Siou (paramount leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, a former Chief Minister, and Unduk Ngadau (Queen of Harvest beauty pageant 1968), Rita Mojilis, both of whom brought cultural pride and generational significance to the project. The story is about a college student (played by Nigel Duis) returning to Sabah for his semester break, working as a food delivery rider during the festival season. Amid deliveries and during the festivity, he finds unexpected romance with a regular customer, played by Queenera Francine. Through the simple yet symbolic presence of Roti Kahwin, the film conveys how food can become a love language, connecting people across different backgrounds. Filmed in Kota Kinabalu, with key scenes shot in Kuala Lumpur, the project captures the duality many young Sabahans experience today - balancing tradition with modern urban life. The production features cameo appearances by world arm-wrestling champion Michael Ford, together with a dynamic team of emerging creatives from East and West Malaysia. With its mix of humour, nostalgia and cultural pride, Roti Kahwin – A Kaamatan Story is set to be a significant contribution to Sabah抯 growing film industry, an artistic tribute to the deep-rooted traditions and evolving modern identity of the Kadazandusun people. In last year's Kaamatan, they produced a film titled 'Tarik Tali.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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