Kota Kinabalu: SK Tampulan, Telipok, has earned international recognition after its short film “Warriors of Independence” won the Magic Film Award 12 at the 21st Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival (BIKY) 2026 in South Korea.
The award was presented during the festival, held at the Busan Cinema Centre from July 8 to 14, and recognises films that captivate audiences through imaginative storytelling while leaving a lasting impact beyond reality.
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Headmaster Zaliha Ismenyah described the achievement as proof that pupils from rural schools are capable of competing and excelling on the international stage.
“From Telipok to Busan, from the classroom to the international screen, this is proof of the success of Malaysia Madani students.
“Congratulations to Nur Zahra Aisyah and the entire “Warriors of Independence” production team,” she said.
The award-winning film was directed by SK Tampulan pupil Nur Zahra Aisyah under the guidance of teacher Iroet Marteni, who is widely recognised for using filmmaking as a creative educational tool.
BIKY 2026 recorded its largest participation to date, featuring 181 films from 41 countries, with Malaysia’s victory placing the country alongside nations actively developing children’s films at the international level.
The success also builds on SK Tampulan’s earlier achievements after its film “Solunsug” reached the finals of BIKY 2019, while its viral production “Tuhau VS Zombie” garnered more than 20 million views online.
The Magic Film Award 12 triumph has not only brought recognition to SK Tampulan and Kota Kinabalu but has also further elevated the profiles of Sabah and Malaysia on the international stage.
