Kota Kinabalu: The Story of Papar Town made its official debut at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in China, bringing Sabah’s rich heritage to the global stage.
The heartfelt documentary was among two Malaysian films showcased at the prestigious event, held from April 18 to 26, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity and community spirit.
Malaysian filmmaker Michelle Xin represented the nation at the festival, presenting The Story of Papar Town and The Rise of Lion II, an inspiring feature film rooted in traditional lion dance culture.
Produced by WSG Group, led by prominent Sabahan property developer Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, The Story of Papar Town is a poignant memoir of her mother, Datin Seri Chen Si Mui, who endured immense hardship during her childhood in 1940s Papar.
The film, directed by Michelle Xin, took two months to prepare, 10 days to shoot and involved 80 actors across locations in Sandakan, Tenom, Keningau, Kinabatangan, Papar and Kota Kinabalu.
Melissa Wong, Susan’s daughter and a director at WSG Group, played the younger version of Chen in the film.
She hoped the documentary would foster cultural exchange while sharing Malaysia’s unique narratives with the world.
Susan, deeply moved by her mother’s struggles, had long dreamed of turning her family’s history into a film.
“My mother endured a difficult childhood, her father died tragically and she was sold as a child bride, living like a slave.
“I wanted future generations to know her story of resilience,” Susan said.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film recounts how Chen escaped her oppressive life one stormy night, finding refuge from a kind-hearted landowner, Kapitan Chen Chee On, who became her saviour.
His intervention changed her fate, leading to a life of hope and dignity.
The Beijing International Film Festival, celebrating 130 years of global cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema, serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange.
Michelle sees Malaysia’s participation as a significant step in promoting the country’s stories internationally.
“I hope for more collaborations to bring Malaysian narratives to the world and to bring global perspectives back to our communities,” she said.
For Susan, the film is more than a tribute, it is a legacy.
“Today, I have finally fulfilled my dream of sharing my mother’s extraordinary journey,” she said.
