Story of Saudin, the first native Murut to visit New York, to be made into documentary
News Date: November 29, 2021
Media : New Straits Times
KOTA KINABALU: A documentary on Saudin Labotao, believed to be the first native Murut to ever travel to New York in 1936, is expected to be the next tourism draw for Sabah.
Saudin’s humble experience was chronicled in Agnes Keith’s book Land Below The Wind.
His comical narrative has caught the interest of Rye Production Sdn Bhd producer Noreini Rahman who in turn spent four years researching materials on him.
Noreini and her production team pitched the story to the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and the History Channel.
She said the filming of the documentary was nearly finished before submitting it to Finas and the History Channel for final approval early next year.
“With the assistance of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), we hope to launch the documentary in Sabah.
“This is a crucial documentary focusing on a native Sabahan, and we want the younger generation to know him as he is part of history,” she said during a courtesy call on Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at STB office here.
During the meeting, they discussed a possible collaboration to promote the documentary titled “Saudin” and to turn his abandoned house at Kampung Ambual in Keningau into a museum gallery for heritage tourism.
Saudin’s story became the subject of interest for being hired by the world’s first wildlife filmmakers Martin and Osa Johnson, to handle captured Bornean wildlife and accompany the animals to New York to attend to their acclimatisation there.
Saudin photographs are also featured in a coffee table book entitled Spirit of Borneo: Martin and Osa’s Journey 1920 & 1935.
Noreini said the filming of the documentary was made possible via the connection with Saudin’s grandchildren who informed them that their grandfather’s house is in its original condition but has been slightly damaged by termites.
His belongings remained in the place and his grave is located next to the house.
“We also engaged the Kansas History of Museum, and they are excited to collaborate with us,” she added.
Norman, his grandson, will play Saudin’s character in the documentary. The friendship between Saudin and the animals he cared for, as well as the western people he met, is highlighted in the story.
Joniston, who is also STB chairman, saw the necessity for Saudin’s story to be told because he played an important role in bridging the gap between different cultures.
“Something has to be done. The STB is always looking for new tourism products, and that Saudin story has many potentials.
“We need to promote who Saudin is, and I believe the documentary will generate interest. Of course, we will play our part in promoting Sabah,” he said.
He said a team would be sent to Saudin’s abandoned house to assess the possibility of turning it into a tourist attraction.
Also present were STB chief financial officer Julianus Jimit and Saudin’s grandchildren Norman James Saudin and Norsina James Saudin. – New Straits Times
