World first Documentary on Kinabatangan will boost ecotourism: Minister

18 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The forthcoming documentary, titled "Jungle Adventures – Borneo’s Lost Film", which was filmed in North Borneo (now Sabah) by the Johnsons in 1921 and is recognised as the world’s first wildlife documentary featuring Sabah’s Kinabatangan, will serve as a new tourism asset to promote Sabah globally, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew.

She believes that the documentary, showcasing images from the 1920s and 1930s captured by American couple Martin and Osa Johnson, will bolster Sabah’s reputation as a premier ecotourism destination.

In an interview with Norhazifa Mohamed from Rye Production Sdn Bhd on Wednesday, Liew stated that the documentary would be an excellent way to demonstrate to the world what makes Sabah a top destination for nature enthusiasts.

“The Johnsons’ work offers a glimpse into what North Borneo looked like over a century ago. Their films provide a genuine historical perspective of our stunning forests, iconic wildlife, and welcoming local communities from a bygone era.

“This documentary will honour their contribution and also reflect our strong commitment to environmental conservation. By looking to the past, we can showcase what we have preserved and protected today. It highlights our efforts to conserve much of that original beauty and biodiversity.

“I am confident that the documentary will inspire a new generation of travellers seeking authentic and meaningful experiences, eager to visit a place that genuinely cares for its people and natural environment,” she said.

The Minister praised Rye Production for its daring initiative to travel to America to retrieve the ‘missing film’ from the Safari Museum in Kansas for the production of "Jungle Adventures – Borneo’s Lost Film".

“In this regard, the State Government, through my Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), appreciates your efforts and fully supports this pioneering endeavour,” she told producers Noreini and Noorhayati Abdul Rahman.

“It is remarkable that you are bringing this visual history back to life. This is a true treasure for Sabah, and I look forward to our people experiencing these century-old glimpses of our land and culture.”

When asked about her reaction to the discovery of the lost archival footage of North Borneo filmed by the Johnsons in the 1920s, Liew expressed her excitement that such a priceless piece of Sabah’s history had survived. “I felt a sense of pride that our state was documented so early on by pioneering filmmakers Martin and Osa Johnson.”

She added: “As Minister of Tourism, this discovery means a great deal for Sabah and its people. It is a gift that reconnects us with our past. We can finally witness scenes of our ancestors, wildlife, and landscapes as they appeared a hundred years ago.

“Culturally, it enriches our heritage and storytelling, it is not just a film, but a narrative of who we are and how our land has inspired the world.

“From a tourism perspective, it provides a unique story to share globally, emphasising Sabah’s longstanding appeal and offering visitors a fresh appreciation of our history and natural beauty.”

The producers informed the minister that, once completed, the documentary will be distributed via national television, film festivals, online platforms, and other channels, aiming to reach a broad audience both locally and internationally.