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Kota Kinabalu: The Cinebalu Screenings of the 14th Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) draw down its curtains this evening by showing three films, including a Sabah-made feature, “Maria”.

Directed by Ryot Ujin, “Maria” tells the story of a woman coping with her struggles.

Maria’s childhood turns dark when she loses her parents in a hit-and-run accident caused by a wealthy young couple.

The trauma of the incident makes Maria hold a grudge against the rich.

Reaching her teenage years, everything is beautiful with her lover, Randy, but differences in social status block their love.

Maria’s old grudge resurfaces when Randy marries Serina, a beautiful young woman from a wealthy family. Maria intends to get her lover back, even if her life is at stake.

Ryot disclosed the spark for the story of “Maria” came from the inspirational stories of people around him, including his mother and a few friends who were hurt by love problems.

“I have heard too many love stories where some are willing to kill others, leave their families and run away from their marriage,” he said.

“I included these elements in ‘Maria’ but strengthened the story with a plot twist.

“My mother went through many challenges in life but still loyally loved my father, so much so that I named the movie after her – Mariana. 

“Friends of mine face love problems that make them emotionally disturbed, but they still choose to love. This is what made me think of making this film.”

Ryot Ujin (FDAM) is a director, producer, and writer. He started working in the local Sabah film industry in 2006 as a crew member and extra.

His deep interest in film has allowed him to work and gain experience outside Sabah, in the peninsula.

After a few years as an actor and crew member, Ryot finally found his passion and strength in directing.

After taking part in a film directing course, he has directed and produced a local telemovie series called “Kobilangan”, and his short films have won awards at several festivals.

He is often invited to be a facilitator for acting and directing workshops.

The other two films to be screened this evening are shorties from Indonesia and the Philippines – “Silent Talk” and “Dog Eaters”.

In “Silent Talk”, Monalisa, during a puzzling night, is confronted by mysterious voices that disturb her. What is that sound? Who is Monalisa? What is she looking for?

“Who are we? What makes us who we are? What if our body had a soul and a mind of its own? I try to ask these questions daily,” said “Silent Talk” director Rendro Aryo.

“Being a real human being who is independent in this modern world is not really to be free.

“There are many demands from the environment, and turmoil within the body continues to ask questions about the future. “Our bodies have memories that bring happiness, wounds, and traumas which we hide from strangers or people we have just met.

“It could also be that people we know closely do not know us completely, as only we know what is in our hearts.

“Good and evil are biases that continually clash with each other in our growth.

“Through this film, I want to reflect on the memories in our body and try to imagine a polemic between our mind and body.

“Sometimes, when we do not talk, that is when we talk. Sometimes, silence is another form of speaking.

“Just imagine that our five senses can talk. Search yourself. Discover yourself.”

“Dog Eaters”, directed by Kevin Pison Piamonte, tells the story of Mariana, who aspires to a better life.

Yet there are trappings around womanhood – an unemployed husband, a second pregnancy – that she must grapple with.

To break free, Mariana has choices to make.

And though radical, it is the woman in her saying that decisions will have to be made, no matter what the consequences are.

Piamonte said the film’s theme is timeless, as women’s struggles in society continue until now.

“While ‘Dog Eaters’ may be gritty as it shows urban decay and dehumanisation, it is also about Mariana’s fight and flight to freedom.

“As a filmmaker and writer, I always believe we should create art that matters. 

“And this film will matter as it reminds us never to forget the margins and the marginalised.  

“While there are successful women in society, there are still those who are fighting for their rights and for their voices to be heard.

“The film opens a conversation about women and their individuality and says that women should be able to stand by themselves and not necessarily fall into the trap of relationships, especially with men.

"'Dog Eaters’ is an adaptation of Leoncio Deriada’s ‘The Dog Eaters’ and is a feminist piece set in a macho-fuelled world of men who have been likened to wild dogs,” he said.

Screenings start at 8pm, at the City Cineplex, City Mall shopping Centre, here.

Tickets are sold online via kkiff.com or at the cinema ticket counter.