Synopsis
Huminodun is a TV one-hour historical drama set in the time when gods walked the land in Sabah. The film is the origin story of the Kadazandusun Harvest Festival known as Kaamatan. It tells the story of how Ponompuan, the daughter of the gods Kinoingan and Sumundu, was sacrificed to save the starving people of the land.
When Ponompuan’s brother Ponompulan turns the people against their creators, Kinoingan and Sumundu scourge the land. Ponompuan is heartbroken and endeavours to try to save them. She brings the people back to the worship of their gods and saves them from the famine, bringing the bounty of produce that Sabah currently enjoys. This comes at a terrible personal cost.
Huminodun has been made entirely in the Kadazan language as part of an effort to increase the usage of an endangered indigenous language.
Production Team
Jo Luping
Producer and Associate Director of Huminodun
"As a child, my father, Tan Sri Herman Luping, used to tell us inspiring stories of Kadazan heroes. It is these stories that have helped to draw Aaron and I to live here in Sabah with our children. We want our children to grow up with these stories in the same way that I did. But we want to be able to know these stories in the language of their people.
We at Siung Films are dedicated to helping Sabahans tell their own stories with their own voices, in their own language. We want future generations to look on their culture with pride and to realise that their indigenous heritage is an important one.
To that end we are proud to bring you the first film in what we intend to be a long line of indigenous language films here in Sabah.
We want to work to enable viable industry here in Sabah where creatives can come and work and earn a living. Sabah is exploding with talent and we want to utilise it to help tell its stories.
Thank you to YAB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Must Haji Man, Huguan Siou YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and YBhg. Datuk Francis Goh for being so instrumental in making our film and thank you to YB Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Said Keruak for all of his advice and help."
For more info about Jo Luping, follow this link:
Aaron Cowan
Director and Writer of Huminodun
"The first time I came to Sabah, about 15 years ago, I was struck by the depth of the indigenous culture here. I have always loved seeing the diversity of cultures and lives that are lived in Borneo. When Jo first explained the story of Huminodun to me I was, as a new father, utterly shocked at the idea of a parent sacrificing his child and thought it would be a very interesting idea to explore - what sort of situation must you be in where this is your only option? I think it says a lot about Sabahan culture that one of the formative stories is that of someone giving up everything they have for their people.
Over the last couple of years, as we have made this film, I have been deeply impressed by the level of dedication and talent that Sabahans have. While there is not a lot of experience in making films in Sabah, there is what seems to be a never ending supply of enthusiasm and talent. The shoot itself involved long days with very little sleep and every single member of our cast and crew was 100% committed to what we are doing. I cannot praise or thank them enough. We have been assisted in the creation of this film by so many people and organisations that I can never adequately thank them all. To every single person that we approached and who helped us, thank you."
For more information about Aaron Cowan, follow this link:
YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima
Dr Herman James Luping
Executive Producer of Huminodun
"I would like to thank everyone who has supported this film. It means a great deal to all of us at Siung Film Productions to have seen such a huge level of support for what we are trying to do.
The preservation of the culture of the Kadazandusun and other indigenous peoples of Sabah has been a passion of mine for a very long time. We have worked very hard to bring you this film and I hope that you enjoy it.
On behalf of Siung Films I want to thank a lot of people for helping us. YAB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman has helped us immeasurably since the day we came to see him. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment with YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and all of its associated bodies has likewise been nothing but supportive and helpful.
Our Huguan Siou, YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, has given us advice and help whenever we have asked and YBhg. Datuk Francis Goh has wonderfully stepped in at the end to help us get the project over the finish line.
I want to thank Jo and Aaron for working so hard on this film, and the incredibly talented cast and crew who have worked long hours and expended a lot of effort to bring this first Kadazan film to the big screen for you - it is like watching a childhood dream come true."
For more information about Tan Sri Herman Luping, follow this link:
Cast
Alexandra Alexander
Ponompuan/Huminodun
"Working on the Huminodun film has changed a lot of my initial understanding of Huminodun herself. I've gained an understanding about her importance amongst the Kadazandusun Murut community. There is more to her than her beauty, selflessness and wisdom. I'm also honoured to be part of the effort to preserve our indigenous language, I wish I can continue and I hope to do more for our indigenous peoples."
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Jenifer Lasimbang
Sumundu
"This film brings us closer together and promotes understanding. It is a bridge within our communities and a bridge to the world; for us to show the world who we are and for the world to see us. Film making is hard work but for me this film was actually a lot of heart work.
Our people are so talented and we really need opportunities and resources to create avenues to showcase our passion and our heart work."
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Boni Mosios
Kinoingan
"This movie has had a monumental impact on me. It really touched my heart when people say that the movie has impacted them and they even feel proud to call themselves Kadazan. With that I think it is a huge accomplishment for this movie to touch people, and to transform them and allow them to know who they are."
Hazli Bojili
Ponompulan
"When I first knew that I was going to be part of the movie Huminodun, I was excited beyond words. I was humbled by the maturity of the direction of the film and passion of its cast and crew. I was blown away by how much talent Sabah had to offer and I knew immediately that Sabah is ready to take filmmaking to the next level with proper direction and support."
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Marc Abas
Pampang
"Personally, I feel thankful I have had the experience for the first time to collaborate with a filmmaker from another country. I learnt a lot of film techniques that I can use for my own film productions. it opened my way of thinking. I became more open to international standards."
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Contact us!
Call or WhatsApp us: 016-315 9232
E-mail us: siungfilms@gmail.com