KUDAT: Oct 2, 2026 — Local youth Learry Edom Jabilin, a talent under Mamurika Talent (MTM), has launched a Sabah superhero short film project developed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The action-fantasy work, titled ‘NABALU: Kuasa dari Kinabalu’ (NABALU: Power from Kinabalu), is presented as the official work for the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) Kudat 2026 Manifesto.
Learry described the cinematic project, with a runtime of eight to 12 minutes, as an important experiment to prove that digital technology can be combined with traditional Sabah heritage elements.
“Technology and the way we create can change with the times, but the roots of our identity and cultural customs on the land of Sabah should not be forgotten,” he stressed.
The work, inspired by the Japanese tokusatsu genre such as Kamen Rider, features its own uniqueness through the use of Japanese dialogue and Sabah Malay subtitles.
The choice of language is a creative strategy by the filmmaker to attract international audiences to take an interest in exploring the history and old stories of Borneo communities.
Learry explained that the use of foreign-language dialogue will continue to be refined from time to time according to market suitability.
In terms of plot, the film highlights the struggle of a son of the soil who discovers an ancient heritage before rising as a protector of nature from the threat of dark forces in Borneo.
From a technical standpoint, the integration of AI technology helps in concept development, visual design, animation and special effects to ensure a quality cinematic work can be produced.
However, the storytelling ideas, direction and creative decisions remain fully under human control to preserve the authentic value of local identity.
The latest initiative also aims to enhance the skills of local teams in mastering modern technology-based creative production workflows.
In the long term, he is determined to explore the commercial potential of the ‘NABALU’ character as an original Sabah intellectual property (IP) that can be expanded into an episodic series, comics or educational materials.
Those interested can watch the short work with local heritage elements officially via Facebook and Learry Edom’s YouTube channel.
He also expressed special appreciation to RTK Chairman Casey Jovial for the trust given to realise the production of this AI technology-based short film.
Thanks were also extended to his manager, Musz Mussa, and the Mamurika Team for always guiding him throughout the production phase of the digital content.
Through the small initiative based on the slogan “Rooted in heritage, stepping towards the future”, Learry hopes the ‘NABALU’ project can open wider space for Sabah’s youth to dare to experiment in elevating Borneo identity to a global level.
Sources:
- Muszaimi Mussa (MTM)
- Learry Edom Jabilin
