THE SIGHT OF BORNEO KIRIN
Year
Language
Duration
Genre
Produce by
Direct by
Logline
: 2022
: Mandarin, Hakka
: 53 mins
: Documentary
: Pro-Merge Vision Sdn.Bhd.
: Pentium Tee
: A journey to discover the origin of Kirin dance in Borneo, from past to present, and glimpse of it’s future.
SYNOPSIS
The Kirin, a mythical creature in Chinese culture symbolizing peace, prosperity, and unity, plays a significant role in Hakka traditions, especially during Chinese New Year. When the Hakka people migrated to Sabah in 1883, they introduced the Kirin dance, originally performed by carpenters during festivals and even adopted by Catholic schools for fundraising, bridging religious and cultural divides. The dance thrived in the 2000s but faced decline due to the rigorous training required and waning community support, resulting in fewer new dancers. Today, the Kirin dance is often commercialized, yet efforts to preserve its cultural significance continue. The Hakka Association Sabah conducts historical research to protect this tradition, while younger dancers explore ways to innovate and reignite interest. Although attempts to fuse the Kirin with local dances have encountered difficulties, it remains a cherished symbol of unity and an integral part of Sabah’s cultural heritage.
DIRECTOR'S BIO
Pentium Tee
Pentium Tee entered the filmmaking industry in 2017 and has since established himself as a versatile producer, director, and editor, with a strong focus on short and feature-length documentaries. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the production of over 60 documentaries, earning recognition for his dedication and storytelling ability.
His work has been celebrated in several prestigious competitions, including winning awards at the China Sabah Short Film Competition and the Hopes Imago Short Film Competition. PentiumTee’s commitment to documentary filmmaking highlights his passion for exploring compelling narratives and shedding light on important cultural and social issues.