Tinorindak Olisi: A Crown Forged in Love and Legacy
Tinorindak Olisi: A Crown Forged in Love and Legacy
This Kaamatan, PETRONAS unveiled 'Tinorindak Olisi' (Crown of Love) a film that redefines victory not by trophies, but by the love and grit that bind us together.
Set against the backdrop of Sabah's iconic Unduk Ngadau pageant, the 6-minute-30-second film follows Elyna Jamis, a young woman who discovers that true triumph lies in community support and personal courage.
Advertisement
Directed by Ismail Kamarul and starring real-life Unduk Ngadau runner-up Elldiwirna Saimen, the story shines with authenticity, featuring the Dusun language and Sabah's rich traditions.
"When I read the script, it was incredibly close to my own experience," said Elldiwirna.
"I know exactly how it feels to come in second place. While I was not disappointed in real life, I understood those emotions and could bring them to the screen authentically,' she said.
This is Elldiwirna's second acting project, following her debut in an RTM production titled "Cinta Ayu'.
Advertisement
For the 26-year-old Master's student in Biotechnology at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, this reflects more than just an acting opportunity, it is a platform to feature Sabahan culture globally.
"When PETRONAS creates films like this, featuring our Unduk Ngadau tradition with all our traditional costumes, people across Malaysia get to see and learn about our heritage. They will ask questions, seek to understand and that is how our culture reaches new audiences,' she said.
Advertisement
The film also stars Daphne Iking, Unduk Ngadau 2003 winner, who plays Elyna's mother.
"Stepping into the role of Elyna's mother in the PETRONAS Kaamatan 2025 film was not just acting. It was a return to my roots,' said Daphne.
'As a former Unduk Ngadau Queen, I once stood as a symbol of tradition, strength and the spirit of Huminodun. This role brought me back to that essence, but this time, through the eyes of a mother guiding the next generation.
"In many ways, it reminded me that Kaamatan is not just about the beauty we wear on the outside, but the values, struggles and stories we carry within.
'To portray a mother holding on to culture, yet gently letting her daughter find her own path… that hit home. A reminder that supports and community is key to growth and togetherness. Everyone is a winner especially when they have done their best,' she said.
"I was so excited when I learned that Daphne Iking would be playing my mother," said Elldiwirna
"She helped me a lot with my acting techniques during our mother-daughter scenes,' she added.
"I want viewers to feel touched and inspired. Life sometimes places us in second position, but that does not mean we stay there forever.
'I especially want young women out there to feel inspired by this story,' said Elldiwirna who hopes the film will resonate with viewers seeking inspiration.
Filming took place across various locations in Sabah, including the Department of National Culture and Arts in Penampang, Kampung Sinulihan in Inanam and the Kadazandusun Cultural Centre.
The production was intensive, with cast and crew working through gruelling 24-hour shoots to capture the film's authentic emotional depth.
"In line with this year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All', this film reminds us that true strength lies in the support and unity we share as a community, especially as we strive toward progress together," said PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Strategic Communications Siti Azlina A Latif.
"Through this story, PETRONAS hopes to inspire all of us to continue uplifting one another in our shared journey toward progress,' she said.
"We not only celebrate the spirit of togetherness through our Kaamatan webfilm but also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening bonds within the community.
"From showcasing local culture to spreading festive joy to underprivileged families, PETRONAS continues to honour traditions while building a more connected and compassionate society for all,' she said.
Beyond storytelling, PETRONAS extended its Uplifting Lives initiative, distributing festive packages to 500 underprivileged families in Sabah during the film's exclusive preview in Kota Kinabalu.
Essential food items and festive packages were distributed to families in need, reaching recipients across four key areas, namely 150 families in Manggatal, 200 in Tambunan, 100 in Tongod and 50 in Kepayan, all identified by the Sabah Social Welfare Department.
This initiative supports communities throughout Malaysia's major celebrations including Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Kaamatan, Gawai, Deepavali and Christmas, truly embodying the spirit of unity in diversity.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan, who is also Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry cum State-level Kaamatan Festival Organising Chairperson, extended his appreciation for PETRONAS' contributions.
"I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Sabah Government to express our gratitude to PETRONAS for the important role played not only in economic development but also in community welfare," he said.
"The entire film moved me to tears because it cannot be divided into parts, it must be seen as a complete story. I am very grateful to PETRONAS because every year they create stories that touch the heart and give us messages to reflect upon in our lives,' he said.
"Tinorindak Olisi" is now streaming on PETRONAS' YouTube and Facebook. Join millions in celebrating a story where every effort crowns a winner.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Sabah student's stories on mental health to be published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
KOTA KINABALU: From a quiet corner of Sandakan town to the national literary stage, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student Mohammad Azmir Misnani is proving that even the softest voices can echo powerfully. And Azmir does this through what he does best, his writing. Through a debut short story collection, compiled in a book titled Kelopak Mawar (Rose Petals), Azmir explores deep emotional and psychological themes. The book will soon be published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah after earning top honours in the 2025 AdiKarya Penulis Muda competition. Azmir, a final-year student from the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage, grew up in Batu Sapi, a town better known for its fishing villages than for fiction writers. Yet his collection of stories, written with haunting beauty and psychiatric insight, impressed the jury with its honesty and bravery. 'These stories speak for the ones who suffer in silence. Kelopak Mawar was written for all those whose voices go unheard, those struggling with inner battles no one else sees,' Azmir said, referring to the book's inspiration. What makes Kelopak Mawar especially impactful is how it delicately uses elements from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as metaphors, creating symbolic characters who reflect different emotional conditions. 'The stories do not diagnose, they resonate. They are not medical, they are mirrors,' he said. Azmir added that the collection was also a form of personal healing: 'I wanted the stories to offer a kind of companionship. When people read them, I hope they'll feel seen. Maybe even comforted. Because sometimes, literature listens when people won't.' UMS lecturer Dr Yusliza Mohd Yusof, who mentored Azmir throughout the AdiKarya programme, described the manuscript as 'poetically brave and unapologetically raw.' 'This is the kind of youth literature Malaysia needs, relevant, sensitive, and aesthetically mature. Azmir's work has the potential to spark a much-needed conversation about mental health among young people,' she said. Azmir is among four UMS student winners selected by DBP Sabah for publication this year under the AdiKarya Penulis Muda initiative, which is aimed at nurturing the next generation of literary voices in East Malaysia. For Azmir, this journey from campus writer to soon-to-be published author is more than a personal milestone, it is a message. 'You don't have to be loud to be heard. You just have to be honest,' he said. And with Kelopak Mawar now blooming into the hands of readers, Azmir's words, once kept quiet, are finally finding their way into hearts nationwide.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
PETRONAS presents Tinorindak Olisi – a Kaamatan story of true victory
Elldiwirna Saimen (right) leads as Elyna, with Daphne Iking playing her mother in Tinorindak Olisi. KOTA KINABALU (June 17): In celebration of this year's Kaamatan festival, PETRONAS presents Tinorindak Olisi (Crown of Love) — a heartfelt tale of discovering triumph not just through titles, but through love, cultural pride, and quiet resilience. Anchored in the tradition of Unduk Ngadau — a cherished highlight of the Kaamatan festivities — the film offers a moving reflection on the deeper meaning of what it truly means to win. Set against the vibrant cultural landscape and rich heritage of Sabah, Tinorindak Olisi features the Dusun language as its primary medium, interwoven with local Sabahan dialects, highlighting the beauty of diversity and unity among the state's many ethnic groups. The story follows Elyna Jamis, a young woman competing in the Unduk Ngadau pageant. Elyna receiving a sirung (hat) from her grandmother. The sirung symbolises her community's hope that she carries throughout her Unduk Ngadau journey. Driven by her dreams, Elyna steps onto the stage with courage and pride, embodying the hopes of her supportive community. Amid the cheers and celebrations, she finds herself on a journey far deeper than the pursuit of a title—one that challenges her perceptions of success and identity. 'In line with this year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All', this film reminds us that true strength lies in the support and unity we share as a community, especially as we strive toward progress together,' said Siti Azlina A Latif, PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Strategic Communications, Group Strategic Relations and Communications. 'Through this story, PETRONAS hopes to inspire all of us to continue uplifting one another in our shared journey toward progress,' she added. The film was unveiled in conjunction with Yayasan PETRONAS' Uplifting Lives Festive programme, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also Deputy President of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association. During the event, Dr Jeffrey, accompanied by Siti Azlina, handed over essential food items and festive packs to selected recipients from Manggatal. Dr Jeffrey (seated, centre), Siti Azlina (seated, third from left) posing for photograph with cast members and other guests. Launched earlier this month in Tambunan, the Uplifting Lives Festive programme reached a total of 500 recipients across Manggatal, Tambunan, Tongod, and Kepayan — all identified by the Sabah Social Welfare Department. Uplifting Lives Festive is part of an ongoing effort to support communities in need during key festive seasons in Malaysia, including Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Kaamatan, Gawai, Deepavali, and Christmas. Siti Azlina said: 'We not only celebrate the spirit of togetherness through our Kaamatan webfilm but also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening bonds within the community. From showcasing local culture to spreading festive joy to underprivileged families, PETRONAS continues to honour traditions while building a more connected and compassionate society for all.' Tinorindak Olisi, directed by renowned filmmaker Ismail Kamarul, is available on PETRONAS' official YouTube and Facebook channels. Cast members and cultural advisors posing for photographs. Dr Jeffrey expressed the Sabah Government gratitude towards PETRONAS for playing an important role of helping promote the Kaamatan festival and the values behind it. 'PETRONAS plays a significant role in Sabah's economic development and the welfare of our society. They also help raise awareness about life's value, including those within ourselves, that can help uplift communities through acts of care and support. Dr Jeffrey also mentioned that he was moved by the short film produced by PETRONAS. 'Although it was short, it carried a powerful message that we could all understand. The story of an Unduk Ngadau contestant who had high hopes of winning, backed by her family and community, but who ultimately came second — it touched me. She truly wanted to win, and she felt as though she had let down those who supported her. But the truth is, she did her best, and that alone is something her family and community can be immensely proud of,' he said. 'I am truly grateful to PETRONAS because every year, they create stories that touch our hearts and give us meaningful messages to reflect on together,' he said. cultural diversity Kaamatan movie Petronas Tinorindak Olisi
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
RTM's Hawana booth builds connection with deaf community
Hands on: Lee demonstrating her sign language skills at RTM's booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival, Sunway Putra Mall. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The RTM booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival offers an interactive sign language learning session, providing visitors with an opportunity to better understand and connect with Malaysia's deaf community. RTM sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee said the initiative not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn sign language, but also exposes them to the unique culture of the deaf community. 'The public can come and learn sign language. For anyone or broadcasting station with interest, they can start by taking a basic course, followed by training and interacting with the deaf community to better understand their communication culture. 'Over time, they will become more skilled and have the potential to become sign language interpreters like me,' she said when met at Sunway Putra Mall here yesterday, Bernama reported. Lee said mastering sign language is not just about memorising hand gestures, but rather requires a deep understanding of the facial expressions, body language and communication culture of the deaf, which differs from the general public. 'To be a good interpreter, one has to be close and familiar with the deaf community. From there, we can understand how they communicate more accurately and convey the true meaning through signs. 'Maybe one day, we can broadcast news delivered by deaf individuals themselves using sign language. Who knows, the time will come for TV stations to feature news presenters from this community,' she said. The Hawana 2025 Carnival, taking place for three days since Friday, is part of this year's National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration, which was held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. The Hawana 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development.
