“Maya - Pewaris Suara Masa Depan”
Maya is a story close to my heart.
I grew up in a home where voices came in many languages, Melanau spoken by my mother and aunties from Dalat, Kenyah from my sister-in-law, and Iban echoing through conversations with friends. In my small town, this rich tapestry of indigenous languages was just everyday life. But it wasn’t until I moved to KL that I realised how rare those voices have become. Some no longer speak them. Some never had the chance to learn.
That silence is what Maya hopes to speak into. It’s more than a story, it’s a small step toward preserving the voices of Sabah and Sarawak, the languages that carry our identity, and soul.
So when
@fabianjoseph first approached me with this project, I hesitated. It was my first slightly longer narrative, and it dealt with delicate cultural threads from East Malaysia. I was afraid of getting it wrong. But with the constant support of Fabian and
@sarahloisd , who became trusted advisors, along the way, I found the courage to begin. (Truly grateful for the both of them <3)
What made this journey special was the respect and collaboration from everyone involved. Working with the agency truly felt like teamwork; every detail was treated with care. From the wardrobe and locations to the songs and poems, each choice was made with intention to honour the people, the land, and their stories.
Shooting in Borneo came with its own rhythms: unpredictable weather, breathtaking landscapes, and a spirit that demanded presence. We embraced it all.
I’m endlessly grateful to our team, our crew, our talents, many of whom are from Borneo themselves. This felt like more than a film. It felt like a calling. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who helped bring this to life. It was never mine alone, it was always ours.
Kotobian do Tadau Tagayo do Kaamatan!
Selamat Ari Gawai Dayak, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai!
