KOTA KINABALU: Ninavau, the newest project from Sabahan storyteller Bebbra Mailin, is a bold and heartfelt take on a theme rarely explored openly in Malaysian cinema—yet one that hits close to home for many, especially in Sabah.
In her first feature film as director, Bebbra approaches the sensitive topic of religious conversion with honesty and emotional clarity. The story centres on Ninavau, a Kadazan woman who returns home for her younger sister Elvira’s wedding while quietly carrying a life-changing secret: she embraced Islam during her years in Kuala Lumpur.
That hidden truth grows heavier with every moment she spends with her family, who are deeply rooted in their church. At the same time, Elvira is grappling with doubts about her own marriage, and their father Edward is facing financial pressures. Caught in the middle, Ninavau tries to support the people she loves while staying true to who she has become.
While the film touches on the subtle differences between East and West Malaysia, it ultimately frames these contrasts as reminders of how love and understanding can bridge even the widest divide.
The film stars Sabahan actors Jovenea Jim, Tati Eliana Tonny and Edward Sinsong in the lead roles.
Bebbra—herself a Muslim convert—draws from personal experience. Growing up in a Catholic household in Kota Kinabalu gave her early insight into how differently religion and tolerance can be expressed across Malaysia.
“It was not until 2003, when I ventured to West Malaysia at 18 to pursue my passion for film, that I truly felt the divide and the subtle, yet profound, ‘differences’ in how religion is perceived and practised in this new environment,” she said.
For her, Ninavau is more than a narrative.
“It is a cinematic exploration of the Kadazan Dusun family, centred around the character Ninavau, whose life choices reverberate through the lives of those around her,” she explained. “The film delves into universal themes of family, love, sacrifice, choices, and acceptance, all while unravelling complex relationships: between West and East Malaysia, between divergent religious beliefs, and within the individual’s quest for meaning.”
The title itself carries weight. Ninavau means “light” in Kadazan—a symbol that stands in contrast to the “darkness” that represents the fears and barriers people face. Light, Bebbra says, embodies hope and resilience.
“Through Ninavau, I aim to portray the intricate journey of life, where each choice we make defines the path we walk, illuminating our unique place in the world.”
Bebbra’s filmmaking credentials speak for themselves. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication (Screen Studies) from Universiti Sains Malaysia and has produced a strong lineup of award-winning shorts. These include Eye Love (KKIFF 2011) and Langd di Odu (Borneo Eco Film Festival 2012). Her documentary Rapuh screened in Japan in 2016, while the short film version of Ninavau won Best Short Film at the Malaysia International Film Fest (Miffest) 2019. She also produced Prebet Sapu, Malaysia’s submission to the 2022 Oscars.
The feature-length Ninavau brings together talent from across the region, including cinematography by young Indonesian filmmaker Bayu Prihantoro Filemon. Its musical score was recorded at Japan’s renowned Freedom Studio Infinity under the guidance of music director Andrew Boong. Sound design comes from Mohsin Othman of Technica Studios, a two-time Malaysia Film Festival Best Sound Design winner.
Ninavau captured early attention when it opened Miffest 2025—making history as the first Sabah-made film to do so. It is now showing at 45 selected cinemas across Malaysia beginning Thursday (Dec 4).