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KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan filmmaker Michelle Xin represented Malaysia at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival held from April 18 to 26, marking the 130th anniversary of global cinema and the 120th of Chinese cinema.

Two Malaysian productions were showcased — The Rise of Lion II, highlighting the traditional lion dance, and The Story of Papar Town, a poignant tale set in wartime Sabah.

The Story of Papar Town, produced by the WSG Group led by Datuk Susan Wong and starring her daughter Melissa, tells the true story of Datin Seri Panglima Chen Si Mui’s harrowing childhood in 1940s Papar.

Directed by Michelle and filmed across Sabah, the documentary recounts Chen’s escape from servitude, her rescue by Kapitan Chen, and her journey from oppression to safety during the Japanese occupation.

Both Michelle and Melissa expressed hopes that the film would promote cultural exchange, with Susan saying it was a dream fulfilled to immortalise her mother’s story for future generations.