Tegkang (2024) Movie Script
1
- Hello!
- Hello!
Hello, Rinai.
Hello.
Hello.
How many did you make today?
Twenty.
Hurry up, sit down and eat.
What's the rush?
It's not like
I'm doing anything important.
Do enlighten me, what's "important"?
I don't know
Being a doctor, like Grand-uncle Matu.
Or a lawyer, like Auntie Supang.
Or a professor, like Dr. Ramie.
My dear,
everyone is important in their own way.
Sometimes they just don't know it yet.
All these so-called "important" people
you mentioned, they have all left.
But they still come back
every year, right?
Guruq, Cousin Lungan told me that
I can go stay with them when I visit
Are you pretending to be busy again?
To ignore me?
Nonsense. I have no idea
what you're talking about.
You better eat.
Otherwise,
I'll feed your rice to the cats.
Is it here?
Every time these new people come,
you tell me to go away.
You know, I can always find a way
to talk to them later if I want to.
Then don't.
Everything you need is here, Rinai!
I know.
But what about what I want?
Rinai.
You're going to be late, Ritap.
They can wait.
Picking anything up for Auntie Runa today?
Well, yes.
Let me tag along then.
No. Guruq is going to kill me.
Especially if he finds out
I take you to the airport.
You're just giving me a ride
to Auntie Runa's.
Why would he be angry?
Ritap, please!
I'm tired
and I still have a long way to walk.
Give me a lift.
I promise I'll stay in the car.
I super promise.
I don't think so.
A promise is a promise, Ritap.
All right, fine.
You're the best!
Thank you so much!
I knew you'd say yes!
When have I ever said no to you?
What am I even doing here?
All right, you stay inside the car.
I need to go check on the goods.
Okay. I'll just wait in the car.
Stop it
Hey, welcome back.
Bario is quite nice.
What is that?
Minolta SRT 101. It's vintage.
Found it in a second-hand shop in London.
- Are you from London?
- No. But I used to live there.
London What is it like?
Is it like Kuala Lumpur?
No. It's quite different.
May I take a photo of you?
Why?
Because your
Leave her alone.
Ritap, it's okay. We are just talking.
Wind up your window.
- Ritap
- I said, wind up your window now!
What do you want?
Do you know this address?
That's old Gerawat's house.
Abel Gerawat. My friend. You know him?
So what?
Abel is letting me stay at the house.
Can you tell me how to get there?
That way.
I'm Hanafi, by the way.
Auntie, here are
the groceries you ordered.
Thank you.
Come in and have some tea, Ritap.
You still have many goods
to deliver, right?
That's right. Auntie, it's all right.
Everyone is expecting their deliveries.
I will just make a move now.
What's wrong this time?
There is a gap here.
You overlapped two straws.
If you mess up the first weave,
the following steps will also be ruined.
Yes.
These crafts
I learned them from my mother.
She learned from her mother.
Her mother learned from her mother.
The hands that weave these
and the hands that string these beads
may be different
but our hearts remain the same.
Always filled with love, joy,
pride, and peace.
Just like she who came before me.
I'm sorry, Auntie.
That's all right.
Your heart was not peaceful just now.
That affected your hands.
I was angry at Ritap.
He was rude to a visitor for no reason.
Is that really why you were angry?
Yeah.
The truth is, Auntie,
I was angry because I feel
that I have no freedom.
Guruq and Ritap
and all the village people,
they won't let me do what I want.
They just want to protect you.
Protect me from what?
Rinai
They think I don't know anything.
But I do.
And what is it that you know?
I know more than they think I know.
They just care about you a lot.
All of us do.
Yes, Auntie, I know.
I believe you.
But what if I want things to be different?
Well, what do you want?
I want
I
I don't know what I want exactly.
But even so,
I know what I don't want.
I don't want this.
What? You don't want to be in my house?
No, Auntie! That's not what I meant.
I like your house very much. It's perfect.
Okay, okay.
It's just that I really want to know more.
I want to know
what is beyond this village.
Maybe then I will discover
what I truly desire.
Don't you agree?
- Abel.
- Hello, Hanafi.
Dude, this house is big.
Your family must be loaded.
They moved to Australia
so the house is empty.
Well, thank you for letting me stay here.
No problem, bro.
I'm supposed to be looking after the house
so you're doing me a favor by being there.
Besides, I know you need a break.
By the way,
are you submitting any new works?
I don't have anything to show anymore.
All it takes is one good photo, bro.
Wouldn't that be amazing?
I've submitted many times
over the past six years.
I don't know what they want.
Surely they've given you some feedback?
I asked my mentor once.
He said, "They are looking
for something with 'soul.'"
What does that even mean?
I'm an engineer. Speak English, please.
It means
It could mean anything!
Hey, don't give up.
It's all you've ever wanted
since finishing engineering school, right?
You went on and became a photographer.
Serves you right.
Maybe it's time I thought about a plan B.
I'm not good enough
to get into the exhibition.
No one wants to publish my works.
My parents won't talk to me.
I'm broke. I can't even afford a vacation.
Bro, chill.
Why don't you enjoy the fresh air
and the hospitality there?
Recharge, reset.
You'll come back stronger.
Hey, Abel.
I thought you said the people here
were very hospitable
and welcoming to visitors?
You bet we are!
We treat every stranger
like an old friend,
with love and kindness.
Well, not the guy I met today.
I think you know his family.
Leave her alone!
Oh, everyone knows everyone there.
Not surprising at all.
His name was
Ritap, I think.
Gotta go, boss calling.
Let me know if you need anything, okay?
Have fun.
Yeah, hey, thanks again.
One more thing.
Don't forget to shower! Bye.
Okay.
It's you.
Yeah, it's me.
My name is Hanafi.
- What is your name?
- Rinai.
Where are you going?
To Guruq's shop.
Guruq's shop?
The grocery shop. I work there today.
I do need to get some bread and biscuits.
And get some lunch too.
Is this your first time in Bario?
Yes.
Oh, I see.
It's my first time too.
Really? I thought you were a local.
Yes.
Only I arrived 24 years ago.
Haven't left since.
What?
Isn't that Rinai?
Yeah.
- Who is that next to her? Ritap?
- He doesn't have that much hair.
Hang on. Where is Saging?
Isn't he on duty
to keep an eye on Rinai today?
I wonder where he's gone.
Seriously, who's that guy
with Rinai there?
Come on, ask her!
Rinai!
Yes?
Are you okay?
Yes.
Okay.
This is my new friend, Hanafi!
Hanafi.
Try greeting them.
Say, "Hello."
Hello, "Hello!"
Not like that.
Say
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hanafi is staying at Gerawat's house.
Can you bring him some food later?
Okay!
I work here.
You can go and eat over there.
Guruq!
You're late.
Yeah, luckily I bumped into Hanafi.
Luckily?
- Rice coffee, please.
- Okay!
Auntie, bill please.
20 ringgit.
Drinks, 5 ringgit.
Fried rice, 15 ringgit.
Leave the money on the table.
Beats Kuala Lumpur prices hands down.
Thank you, Auntie.
Please come again.
You're very talented.
You know, with such quality,
you could easily sell these online,
or in those art and craft markets
in Kuala Lumpur,
or even overseas.
People would surely buy.
Really?
Guruq!
This is Hanafi.
Hi, Guruq. "I'm Hanafi's cake."
"Kudih." (name)
"Kudih"? (name)
Hi, Guruq. My name is Hanafi.
How much are these?
Which one?
It's hard to choose.
Make up your mind.
They are all great!
Thank you.
Why don't you buy one
and gift it to your girlfriend?
- I'll take this one.
- 10 ringgit.
Oh, and those too.
19.50.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm buying this for myself though.
What
What happened?
Who told you to put those there!?
I'm sorry, Guruq. I didn't mean to
Guruq, it was just an accident.
I'm sorry, Rinai.
It's all right.
Leave!
Leave!
Be more careful next time.
It's bleeding.
It doesn't hurt.
Where were you, Saging?
Why didn't you watch over Rinai today?
I'm so sorry! My little grandkid was sick.
She ate something wrong.
She was throwing up.
Is she okay?
She's all right.
May I send some food over for her later?
Sure. I'd really appreciate it.
My wife needed my help.
I was only 10 minutes late.
But when I came she was already gone.
I am deeply sorry, Guruq.
Because of you,
she ended up meeting the outsider.
We did see the new guy with Rinai.
He seems fine, right?
These are for you little grandkid.
So kind of you. Thank you.
Fine?
You called him fine?
That guy got Rinai injured!
It was an accident.
If it wasn't for him,
Rinai wouldn't have been hurt!
We must do something
before things get out of hand.
What should we do, Guruq?
Oh, it so cold!
Good morning!
Pineapple from my cousin's farm.
I'm sorry, say that again?
Your tour guide!
Don't worry, I'm a pro.
I've been a tour guide for years.
Me and my Hilux are at your service.
Isn't it tasty?
My cousin's farm produces
the best pineapples.
I'm sorry, Ritap.
I can't afford to hire a tour guide.
Don't worry, it's free!
Abel's mother's aunt
is the cousin of the grandchild
of the grandpa of my father's siblings.
Besides, Guruq called Abel last night.
Abel agreed to let us
look after you. Okay?
This is the only road in and out of Bario.
Nearest town, Miri.
It's a 15-hour drive.
Don't
- Why...
- No touching, please.
All right. Let's take a photo.
So, how long do you plan to stay?
Let me plan your trip for you.
I'm not sure.
Maybe a week or two?
Oh! No need to stay so long!
One week is enough to see everything.
I guarantee
that I'll take you to see
and do everything
since we're good friends now!
- Can we make a stop at the shop?
- What do you need?
I'll get it for you.
I just want to check on Rinai.
She is fine!
Don't worry!
Why are you doing this?
Doing what?
Keeping Rinai here.
It's for her own good.
Is it?
For her good, or for your guilt?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
A promise is a promise.
We are nothing
if we don't keep our promises.
You keep telling yourself that.
All done?
- Come, let's go.
- Where are you going?
Rinai, what do we say
when we don't want him to come?
- We are going to go and cook!
- That's right.
Rinai! Auntie Runa!
- Hello.
- Hello.
This is a type of wild vegetable. Women
go into the forest and forage for it.
Thanks.
I thought you were joking when you said
the villagers would send me food.
A promise is a promise.
We take promises very seriously here.
But I don't know how to cook.
What?
You can't cook?
Give it back!
Steak, pasta, Western? Okay.
But this, I'm not sure about.
Auntie.
He says he can't cook. What do we do?
Oh my.
I heard you have been very busy.
Yeah!
Ritap's taken me to do so many things.
The places, the food, the people,
everything's been wonderful.
I'm glad you like it here.
It's been fun.
I almost don't feel like leaving.
Don't say that.
Why not?
This place is great.
It's so peaceful here.
I think I'd be happy to move here.
That's easy for you to say
because you have a choice.
You can choose to stay
or leave anytime you want.
Hey.
Of all the places I've been to,
Bario really isn't the worst.
The air is fresh
and the pineapples are delicious.
The buffaloes in the fields,
are they free?
Buffaloes?
They may look free,
but the truth is, they are stuck.
Hanafi?
Is there anything else you want to do
while you're here in Bario?
Well, I'd like to experience the sunrise.
Sunrise? I know a spot.
I can take you there.
Great! When?
Tomorrow.
5:30 a.m. Wait for me outside.
Okay!
As a kid, I dreamed of traveling the world
and becoming a photographer.
I wanted get to know people
Let's go.
Rinai.
Yes?
You sure it's safe?
I am sure it's safe.
You said you wanted to
take a break, right?
Auntie Runa takes me there all the time.
Don't worry,
I know the trail like the back of my hand.
Okay.
Hanafi, can you tell me
about all the places you've been to?
Sure!
Where should I start?
We'll rest here for a while.
All right.
What's this?
That's a 50 mm.
My favorite for portraits.
How about his one?
That's 35. Pass it to me.
This?
We won't need that one
Rinai
Yeah?
You
What?
What are you doing, Hanafi?
Do you see this?
See?
Rinai
You're blind.
Blind
What is "blind"?
Thanks
for explaining to me
what "blind" means.
I should have noticed.
I'm such an idiot.
There were signs.
I just ignored them.
Has no one ever told you?
No.
But I always knew I was different.
I just didn't know in what way
Until now.
Even though everyone kept telling me
that we were all the same
I wondered
How it was that other people seemed
to know things that I didn't.
No wonder that ever since I was kid,
Auntie Runa taught me
to count every step.
Guruq
Forbids me to talk to outsiders.
Ritap
He shadows me everywhere.
He's always with me wherever I go.
They've constructed
a safety net around you.
The sun.
It's risen.
"Tegkang" (rainbow).
What?
"Tegkang" (rainbow).
It's there.
Isn't it?
Rainbow.
You're right!
It is!
It's beautiful.
Hanafi.
The safety net you talked about
That's why I'm stuck.
It's okay. I'm okay.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Beautiful.
Auntie Runa!
It's Rinai! Hurry!
Hurry!
What happened?
She fell. Where's the doctor?
The clinic is closed.
The doctor's out.
You only have one clinic here
and it's not open 24/7?
Village clinics are different.
This is not London!
Then let's go to the hospital!
Where did she fall?
- Down the hill.
- Which hill?
It's where we watched the sunrise.
You carried her all the way?
I didn't know where else to go.
The hospital is a 15-hour drive,
if you're lucky.
Can't we do something?
No bones are broken. She's okay.
Please! We have to take her
to the hospital!
Ritap! Your car!
Shut up! It is too far!
- We wait!
- Until when?!
Calm down.
Just wait a moment. Have faith.
Give me your keys!
You prick! No!
Enough! Quiet!
This is all your fault!
My fault!?
She needs medical attention
and all you guys will do is wait?
Is this how you treat the blind?
What have you said to her?
She has the right to know!
What have you told her?
What have you told her?!
Guruq
Rinai.
Rinai.
How do you feel?
I'm okay.
Guruq, please don't be angry at Hanafi.
It's not true.
Whatever he's told you, it's not true.
Guruq, I know
that I can't see.
No, he's lying.
You're just like everyone else!
Yes.
Guruq, may I have a glass of water?
Yes.
Here.
Guruq, throw the water at me.
What did you say?
Just do it.
Don't worry. I can see, right?
You said I'm just like everyone else.
If it's true, then I can see.
I can avoid it. So throw it at me.
No.
It's okay.
Do it.
Do it!
No!
This was our original longhouse.
Rinai's father was my neighbor.
We grew up together.
He was my best friend.
"Was"? What do you mean?
This was meant for Rinai.
That's me and Rinai's father, Terawe.
Rinai's parents?
Rinai's mother, Lina.
She died giving birth.
Complications with the pregnancy.
Rinai was born blind.
Terawe raised her alone.
Doctors, clinics, hospitals
he went to them all.
No cure.
Terawe used to always say that
Rinai was a miracle.
That she would become
a blessing to others.
When Rinai was 4,
there was an Irau Mekaa Ngadan
(a name-changing ceremony).
The Irau Mekaa Ngadan is
one of the most important ceremonies
in our traditions.
That day, dances, food, and music
filled up this entire corridor.
There hasn't been one as festive since.
At that time,
I had just returned from town
after two days of walking.
There was no road for vehicles back then.
I took the gasoline for the generator,
but I got pulled in to join the dancing.
I left the gasoline near the fireplace,
thinking that
I would come back for it later,
but I got so tired and I fell asleep.
Terawe saved me from the fire.
After he'd saved the last person,
a beam fell on him.
He couldn't get out in time.
Terawe!
Everyone came.
The fire was eventually put out.
Terawe was found later.
He was still alive, but
Barely.
I managed to see him one last time
in the hospital.
He made me promise to look after Rinai.
To give Rinai a happy
and normal life.
No wonder everyone is
so protective of Rinai.
Those who were saved by Terawe that night
Agreed to help me keep that promise
And help me look after Rinai.
We, the Kelabit people,
honor promises
like
life itself.
Ritap?
Ritap was 8 years old
when he saw Terawe pull his father
out of the fire.
Hanafi.
I will never let Rinai leave.
This is the only place
where I can make sure she lives
a happy and normal life,
just like Terawe wanted.
People like you come here,
have a good time,
and then
Go back to your respective lives.
For you people, this place
is just
an adventure.
An experience.
A trip. A memory. Novelty.
It's just an insignificant part
of your life.
But this?
This is everything for us.
Our whole world.
I'm sorry, Guruq.
That's okay.
You're not the first well-meaning outsider
who thinks that you know better than us
and that you can simply change things.
Guruq.
We cannot choose where we are born.
I hope you won't disregard me
just because I'm an outsider.
Otherwise, you're making
the exact same mistake
that you've just accused me of.
Have you ever considered that
in the name of giving Rinai
a "normal" life,
you might have given her
just the opposite?
What's the point of normal
if she's not happy?
I'm still amazed
by how you can tell who's who
just by hearing the footsteps.
It's not just the footsteps.
What is it then?
Secret!
Are you all right?
I'm okay.
- Even Auntie Runa said that
- Rinai
I'm fit to run up the hill again.
Come! Let's go see the sunset.
When did I say that?
I never said that.
What?
Kidding!
Ritap.
Rinai.
I'm just joking!
All right. I'm going back
to prepare for dinner.
Hanafi, come walk this old lady home.
I will teach you how to cook Bario dishes.
It's very important for a man
to know how to cook!
Don't be like Guruq.
But dinner? Starting now?
Yes, now.
I'm making a feast.
There's lots to do. A lot to do!
You two, come have dinner later.
Yes, Auntie.
"Ribed".
You can say that.
"Ribed"?
Thanks for the compliment.
Oh, okay
"Ribed" means pretty.
Guruq and the villagers installed those,
one at every junction
on the paths Rinai usually travels.
The sound indicates a turn.
It was built especially for her.
But she never knew.
She thought everyone relied on it
the same way she did.
Guruq is the one
who persistently makes sure
those things function perfectly
at all times.
How come no one ever says anything?
Terawe made Guruq Rinai's guardian.
Everyone respects and accepts that.
Although some did doubt Guruq,
he proved to them
that he is able to take care of Rinai.
He quit his teaching job
and opened the grocery shop
with all his life savings.
He even home-schooled Rinai.
Teaching job?
Guruq was a teacher?
"Guruq" is "teacher"
in the Kelabit language.
A teacher is
one of the most respected jobs here.
What's his real name?
Tapan.
Every step Rinai took growing up,
Guruq was always there for her,
making sure that she was safe and well.
Everyone in the village knows about Rinai.
We all help Guruq in our own way.
As Rinai grows older,
our love for her grows too.
Auntie,
I apologize
for being disrespectful earlier.
Relax, I'm not Guruq.
I know you mean well.
Thank you for trusting me.
It's not you that I trust.
It's Rinai.
Rinai trusts you.
I hope you don't betray that trust.
I won't.
Rinai is very special to me.
Good, son.
Guruq, you're like a father to me.
You have taken care of me all these years.
It's my turn to take care of you.
Don't be silly.
I mean it.
I want to help you keep the promise
you made to my father.
Let me make my own choices
just like every normal person does.
That's what makes me happy.
Rinai, I can't look after you if you go.
I don't want you getting hurt.
But you'll be here, right?
Always.
Then
I have nothing to be afraid of.
Having Hanafi's help is great,
but I won't just rely on him.
I want to try living my own life.
With or without
him, it's going to be okay.
I can always come running back to you
if things don't work out over there.
What's this?
It's bitter!
I've never had anything like this!
"Buri."
Please eat. Have this instead.
Guruq.
Please allow me to help Rinai.
How?
By helping her do what she wants to do.
What if she doesn't know
what she wants to do?
Then I will help her explore and find out.
And if she should fail?
I will be there for her.
And I would like to take her
to see specialists
if she is willing.
Why?
You think her blindness is a problem?
Of course not.
I just want her to have a better life.
You can't even support yourself.
Guruq.
I still have some savings.
I have an engineering degree.
I'm ready to go back to it anytime
if photography doesn't work out.
And, if it means working two
or three jobs, I will do it.
It seems like no matter what I do,
I can't stop your paths from joining.
I ask only one thing of you.
Promise me
that if one day, you ever find yourself
wanting to walk a separate path from her,
please don't abandon her.
Just return her safely to me.
I promise.
Careful, don't drop it.
How did you know what colors to use?
Auntie.
She helps me put
different colored beads in order.
I just need to memorize where they are.
But you weaved
these colors together so beautifully
even though you can't see them.
How do you even know?
I don't know.
But I feel like I know the colors.
Whenever someone mentions a color,
I can feel it.
So
What's "red"?
"Siak."
It's like fire.
Hot,
but also sometimes safe.
Like being hugged.
Orange?
"Birar bataq."
The sun.
Warm. Not too hot like red,
but
It's just warm.
Black.
"Mitem." Feels lonely.
Cold, nighttime, the sound of cicadas
"Bataq."
Fresh leaves.
The smell of the morning dew.
The sound of the wind blowing,
rustling leaves.
Fresh.
I love the way you "see" the world, Rinai.
It's the only way I know.
Anyone like me would be the same,
right?
No.
I've never met anyone like you.
You have a sensitive
and free spirit.
You appreciate all the things around you.
Even the smallest and simplest things,
things that most people take for granted.
Your spirit is special.
Why are you so smart?
I don't understand the Kelabit language.
The rainbow.
You knew there was a rainbow
even before I saw it.
In the past,
I was always in awe
whenever people would say
there was a rainbow.
I'd hear them shout "tegkang!"
So I asked Auntie Runa,
"What is a "tegkang"?"
Auntie Runa said that a "tegkang"
is the most beautiful bracelet
made by God.
In a "tegkang," every color is there.
No wonder
rainbows make people so happy, right?
Then I began to notice
that they usually appear
at a certain time.
When I could feel the warmth of the sun
during or after rain.
Hanafi, do you know
that rain has a smell?
Near or far,
I can smell the rain.
Hanafi?
That's how I can tell who is who
even if they don't want to speak to me.
Scent
So, what does Guruq smell like?
Guruq?
Like
Salt.
Salt?
Auntie Runa?
Like herbs.
Ritap?
Metal.
Rusty.
Hanafi?
Hand.
Hand.
"Tegkang." I made it for you.
May it keep you happy always.
Auntie Runa said that
"tegkang" is a promise of renewed hope
and a bright future.
Thank you.
But why would I need this when
There's you?
Don't worry.
Rinai is a strong girl.
Have faith.
Go on.
What?
You get to say "I told you so" to me now.
Fine.
You're right!
You've been right all this time.
You win. Happy?
Aren't you?
Yes. I'm so happy
that I no longer need to listen
to your annoying nagging
about setting Rinai free.
I told you so.
Thanks. For being there
for her all these years.
You're welcome.
Everyone leaves eventually.
Not everyone.
True.
It's going to be fine.
Ritap, my son,
you have so much talent in music.
I'm so proud of you.
Father, can I have your "Sape"
(string instrument)?
Of course!
Your grandfather made this "Sape"
with his own hands.
He got this wood from the old Pelaie tree
from the deep forest,
and he gave it to me
at my name-changing ceremony.
When it's time for your
name-changing ceremony,
I'll give it to you.
Play it again, Father.
Sure, my son.
Where are we going?
Hanafi!
Hanafi!
Where are we going?
Next time, just tell me in advance,
if you want to drive me
all the way back to Miri.
I could have saved on my flight ticket.
Ouch!
You think you're funny?
That's how you "lured" Rinai, right?
By showing her how funny you are?
What's wrong with you?
Slow down!
Slow down, what is wrong with you?
Well?
I couldn't find him.
Where did he go?
Maybe he got lost.
It's already dark.
I will go back out there.
He couldn't have gone far.
You alone?
It'd be faster with more people looking.
That's true, I agree.
You go and get the villagers
to help search for him.
Rinai, you stay here.
I want to help.
No, you just wait here.
We will come back as soon as we find him.
Don't worry, Rinai. We will find him.
Stay here.
Ritap!
Stop the car now!
Or else I'll jump!
Hey! Are you crazy!?
Jumping out?
Really?
You think you're Superman?
Are you stupid?
That is better than dying in your car.
I knew what I was doing!
Yeah, right.
If you knew what you were doing,
you wouldn't have taken me out here.
I cannot allow you to take Rinai away.
That is not up to you or me
or anyone else.
That is Rinai's decision alone.
What do you know?
You will never understand
how much I've given up for Rinai.
My father and my mother
treated her like their own.
But me?
What did I get?
All I got was,
"Ritap, take care of Rinai."
"Ritap, give that to Rinai."
"Ritap, help Rinai."
When Rinai got hurt, I got scolded.
My father told me
that Rinai and I belonged together.
My whole life has been about her.
My father made me promise
to look after Rinai with my life.
You will never understand.
Ritap
I wanted to become a famous Sape player.
To go around the world
and perform with my Sape.
But I had to give that up.
Rinai was here so I had to stay here.
And for what? All of this for what?
I love Rinai.
Rinai loves me.
I know that.
She's just confused right now.
You're wrong, Ritap.
Love is not possessive.
If you truly love Rinai,
then let her be who she wants to be.
But if she leaves,
I'll have nothing left.
Rinai never asked for any of that.
Neither did you.
It's time you both found
your own path in life.
If Rinai has the courage to take
that step, why don't you?
It's not too late, Ritap.
I believe that deep down in your heart,
you know what you truly want.
I'm going to see Rinai.
I too have a promise to keep.
Brother? You're right about
one thing though.
Rinai does love you
The same way she loves Guruq
and Auntie Runa.
Bye.
- Rinai!
- Hanafi?
Rinai?
Rinai!
Why did you come out here alone?
I must have just got lost.
We were worried about you.
It's okay, what's important
is that you're safe.
I'm so sorry for making everyone worried.
I must apologize to Guruq.
I hope he won't be too angry.
Of course he's going to be angry at you.
So angry that he won't allow me
to go with you.
Oh no, really? In that case,
I guess I'll just have to do
whatever he asks.
I'll even eat big plates of Buri
if I have to.
Come on, Guruq is not that scary
Rinai!
Hanafi?
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
But you'll have to help me climb up.
Rinai, I'm afraid
I can't do that just yet.
I sprained my leg badly.
I'm sorry.
You're hurt because of me.
It's not your fault.
It just happened.
All that matters is that we're okay.
What do we do now?
We stay calm.
Guruq, Auntie Runa, and everyone else
I'm sure they'll come find us.
Trust me.
Let's talk about
what you'd like to do in the city.
Cousin Lungan said
the river cruise is nice.
River cruise?
Okay. Done.
Next?
I want to try this ice cream called
"Jilato."
Gelato?
- "Jilato."
- Gelato. Done.
Next?
Well?
It's been a whole night.
Where could they be?
They don't have food or water with them
and the temperature was
very cold last night.
Yes, that's why we must keep looking.
This time, you two take
the Para Pawan area,
and you two team up
and take the Raan Aba direction.
How did this happen?
Why did you go so far from the village?
I'm sorry, Guruq.
It's lucky that Ritap saved you.
I was the one who fell, Guruq.
Hanafi protected me from getting injured.
No one asked you.
I told you to stay in the house!
Why didn't you listen?
Calm down. Everyone is okay now.
Maybe I need to think twice
about Rinai going with you.
Please, Guruq, I want to go.
I cannot let you go with this guy
who keeps getting you hurt.
I'm really sorry, Guruq.
It wasn't Hanafi's fault.
It was mine.
I forced Hanafi to come with me.
I drove into the jungle recklessly.
That's why he was in the jungle.
Ritap
I didn't want Hanafi to take Rinai away.
I wanted to teach him a lesson
by scaring him.
Guruq, I'm sorry.
When I found them,
Rinai told me what happened.
Look at them.
If they both fell, normally it'd be
impossible that only one would get hurt.
Rinai should have gotten hurt too,
especially because she cannot see.
Hanafi did protect Rinai.
Why didn't you say anything?
I didn't want to put anyone
in a difficult position.
Hanafi has a good heart.
I'm the one who should be ashamed.
I'm sorry.
Ritap, I'm sorry.
You've always taken care of me.
You're like my big brother
and I should have talked to you
about my dreams, my plans,
and my decisions.
It's all right, silly.
I was just worried and I care about you.
You do what makes you happy.
I know you're in good hands now.
We will always be family.
Forever.
Ritap!
We concur.
You are Agan Tadun, son of Sina Ngedtang.
We concur.
You are the son of Ngedthang Balang.
We concur.
And your mother is Sinah Ngedtang.
We concur.
You were born in the season
of the bright moon.
We concur.
That is why you're well-known.
We concur.
Your name is known
and it shall rise as high as the sky.
We concur.
Hanafi, Ritap has invited you
to attend his Irau Mekaa Ngadan.
From now on, Ritap will be known as Agan,
sharing the name
of a legendary Kelabit warrior.
With blessings from the elders,
Agan finally receives the Sape
which was passed down
from his grandfather to his father.
You take care of yourself.
Yes, I will.
Auntie
Come on.
Hanafi, I can't wait
to get in the "bilon".
You know what "bilon" means?
Airplane.
You're right. So clever.
GOODBYE
Let's go.
Won something?
Even better.
Hanafi's photo won the special award!
The only award!
And he's the first Malaysian who got it.
That's wonderful!
Scooch over.
Did you know that Earth is the only planet
in the solar system with rainbows?
- Really?
- Yes.
It says so in this book.
Agan.
Our friend has gone international.
Let's go.
Hanafi, is the "Jilato" tasty?
"Gelato."
You only bought one?
We'll share.
All right then.
Hanafi, is this place beautiful?
It is! It's called the River of Life.
There is a bridge and under it is a river.
The river flows from Klang
all the way to the Strait of Malacca.
The length of the river
is 1128 kilometers.
- This river under this bridge?
- Yeah! Right under us.
- Hello!
- Hello!
Hello, Rinai.
Hello.
Hello.
How many did you make today?
Twenty.
Hurry up, sit down and eat.
What's the rush?
It's not like
I'm doing anything important.
Do enlighten me, what's "important"?
I don't know
Being a doctor, like Grand-uncle Matu.
Or a lawyer, like Auntie Supang.
Or a professor, like Dr. Ramie.
My dear,
everyone is important in their own way.
Sometimes they just don't know it yet.
All these so-called "important" people
you mentioned, they have all left.
But they still come back
every year, right?
Guruq, Cousin Lungan told me that
I can go stay with them when I visit
Are you pretending to be busy again?
To ignore me?
Nonsense. I have no idea
what you're talking about.
You better eat.
Otherwise,
I'll feed your rice to the cats.
Is it here?
Every time these new people come,
you tell me to go away.
You know, I can always find a way
to talk to them later if I want to.
Then don't.
Everything you need is here, Rinai!
I know.
But what about what I want?
Rinai.
You're going to be late, Ritap.
They can wait.
Picking anything up for Auntie Runa today?
Well, yes.
Let me tag along then.
No. Guruq is going to kill me.
Especially if he finds out
I take you to the airport.
You're just giving me a ride
to Auntie Runa's.
Why would he be angry?
Ritap, please!
I'm tired
and I still have a long way to walk.
Give me a lift.
I promise I'll stay in the car.
I super promise.
I don't think so.
A promise is a promise, Ritap.
All right, fine.
You're the best!
Thank you so much!
I knew you'd say yes!
When have I ever said no to you?
What am I even doing here?
All right, you stay inside the car.
I need to go check on the goods.
Okay. I'll just wait in the car.
Stop it
Hey, welcome back.
Bario is quite nice.
What is that?
Minolta SRT 101. It's vintage.
Found it in a second-hand shop in London.
- Are you from London?
- No. But I used to live there.
London What is it like?
Is it like Kuala Lumpur?
No. It's quite different.
May I take a photo of you?
Why?
Because your
Leave her alone.
Ritap, it's okay. We are just talking.
Wind up your window.
- Ritap
- I said, wind up your window now!
What do you want?
Do you know this address?
That's old Gerawat's house.
Abel Gerawat. My friend. You know him?
So what?
Abel is letting me stay at the house.
Can you tell me how to get there?
That way.
I'm Hanafi, by the way.
Auntie, here are
the groceries you ordered.
Thank you.
Come in and have some tea, Ritap.
You still have many goods
to deliver, right?
That's right. Auntie, it's all right.
Everyone is expecting their deliveries.
I will just make a move now.
What's wrong this time?
There is a gap here.
You overlapped two straws.
If you mess up the first weave,
the following steps will also be ruined.
Yes.
These crafts
I learned them from my mother.
She learned from her mother.
Her mother learned from her mother.
The hands that weave these
and the hands that string these beads
may be different
but our hearts remain the same.
Always filled with love, joy,
pride, and peace.
Just like she who came before me.
I'm sorry, Auntie.
That's all right.
Your heart was not peaceful just now.
That affected your hands.
I was angry at Ritap.
He was rude to a visitor for no reason.
Is that really why you were angry?
Yeah.
The truth is, Auntie,
I was angry because I feel
that I have no freedom.
Guruq and Ritap
and all the village people,
they won't let me do what I want.
They just want to protect you.
Protect me from what?
Rinai
They think I don't know anything.
But I do.
And what is it that you know?
I know more than they think I know.
They just care about you a lot.
All of us do.
Yes, Auntie, I know.
I believe you.
But what if I want things to be different?
Well, what do you want?
I want
I
I don't know what I want exactly.
But even so,
I know what I don't want.
I don't want this.
What? You don't want to be in my house?
No, Auntie! That's not what I meant.
I like your house very much. It's perfect.
Okay, okay.
It's just that I really want to know more.
I want to know
what is beyond this village.
Maybe then I will discover
what I truly desire.
Don't you agree?
- Abel.
- Hello, Hanafi.
Dude, this house is big.
Your family must be loaded.
They moved to Australia
so the house is empty.
Well, thank you for letting me stay here.
No problem, bro.
I'm supposed to be looking after the house
so you're doing me a favor by being there.
Besides, I know you need a break.
By the way,
are you submitting any new works?
I don't have anything to show anymore.
All it takes is one good photo, bro.
Wouldn't that be amazing?
I've submitted many times
over the past six years.
I don't know what they want.
Surely they've given you some feedback?
I asked my mentor once.
He said, "They are looking
for something with 'soul.'"
What does that even mean?
I'm an engineer. Speak English, please.
It means
It could mean anything!
Hey, don't give up.
It's all you've ever wanted
since finishing engineering school, right?
You went on and became a photographer.
Serves you right.
Maybe it's time I thought about a plan B.
I'm not good enough
to get into the exhibition.
No one wants to publish my works.
My parents won't talk to me.
I'm broke. I can't even afford a vacation.
Bro, chill.
Why don't you enjoy the fresh air
and the hospitality there?
Recharge, reset.
You'll come back stronger.
Hey, Abel.
I thought you said the people here
were very hospitable
and welcoming to visitors?
You bet we are!
We treat every stranger
like an old friend,
with love and kindness.
Well, not the guy I met today.
I think you know his family.
Leave her alone!
Oh, everyone knows everyone there.
Not surprising at all.
His name was
Ritap, I think.
Gotta go, boss calling.
Let me know if you need anything, okay?
Have fun.
Yeah, hey, thanks again.
One more thing.
Don't forget to shower! Bye.
Okay.
It's you.
Yeah, it's me.
My name is Hanafi.
- What is your name?
- Rinai.
Where are you going?
To Guruq's shop.
Guruq's shop?
The grocery shop. I work there today.
I do need to get some bread and biscuits.
And get some lunch too.
Is this your first time in Bario?
Yes.
Oh, I see.
It's my first time too.
Really? I thought you were a local.
Yes.
Only I arrived 24 years ago.
Haven't left since.
What?
Isn't that Rinai?
Yeah.
- Who is that next to her? Ritap?
- He doesn't have that much hair.
Hang on. Where is Saging?
Isn't he on duty
to keep an eye on Rinai today?
I wonder where he's gone.
Seriously, who's that guy
with Rinai there?
Come on, ask her!
Rinai!
Yes?
Are you okay?
Yes.
Okay.
This is my new friend, Hanafi!
Hanafi.
Try greeting them.
Say, "Hello."
Hello, "Hello!"
Not like that.
Say
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hanafi is staying at Gerawat's house.
Can you bring him some food later?
Okay!
I work here.
You can go and eat over there.
Guruq!
You're late.
Yeah, luckily I bumped into Hanafi.
Luckily?
- Rice coffee, please.
- Okay!
Auntie, bill please.
20 ringgit.
Drinks, 5 ringgit.
Fried rice, 15 ringgit.
Leave the money on the table.
Beats Kuala Lumpur prices hands down.
Thank you, Auntie.
Please come again.
You're very talented.
You know, with such quality,
you could easily sell these online,
or in those art and craft markets
in Kuala Lumpur,
or even overseas.
People would surely buy.
Really?
Guruq!
This is Hanafi.
Hi, Guruq. "I'm Hanafi's cake."
"Kudih." (name)
"Kudih"? (name)
Hi, Guruq. My name is Hanafi.
How much are these?
Which one?
It's hard to choose.
Make up your mind.
They are all great!
Thank you.
Why don't you buy one
and gift it to your girlfriend?
- I'll take this one.
- 10 ringgit.
Oh, and those too.
19.50.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm buying this for myself though.
What
What happened?
Who told you to put those there!?
I'm sorry, Guruq. I didn't mean to
Guruq, it was just an accident.
I'm sorry, Rinai.
It's all right.
Leave!
Leave!
Be more careful next time.
It's bleeding.
It doesn't hurt.
Where were you, Saging?
Why didn't you watch over Rinai today?
I'm so sorry! My little grandkid was sick.
She ate something wrong.
She was throwing up.
Is she okay?
She's all right.
May I send some food over for her later?
Sure. I'd really appreciate it.
My wife needed my help.
I was only 10 minutes late.
But when I came she was already gone.
I am deeply sorry, Guruq.
Because of you,
she ended up meeting the outsider.
We did see the new guy with Rinai.
He seems fine, right?
These are for you little grandkid.
So kind of you. Thank you.
Fine?
You called him fine?
That guy got Rinai injured!
It was an accident.
If it wasn't for him,
Rinai wouldn't have been hurt!
We must do something
before things get out of hand.
What should we do, Guruq?
Oh, it so cold!
Good morning!
Pineapple from my cousin's farm.
I'm sorry, say that again?
Your tour guide!
Don't worry, I'm a pro.
I've been a tour guide for years.
Me and my Hilux are at your service.
Isn't it tasty?
My cousin's farm produces
the best pineapples.
I'm sorry, Ritap.
I can't afford to hire a tour guide.
Don't worry, it's free!
Abel's mother's aunt
is the cousin of the grandchild
of the grandpa of my father's siblings.
Besides, Guruq called Abel last night.
Abel agreed to let us
look after you. Okay?
This is the only road in and out of Bario.
Nearest town, Miri.
It's a 15-hour drive.
Don't
- Why...
- No touching, please.
All right. Let's take a photo.
So, how long do you plan to stay?
Let me plan your trip for you.
I'm not sure.
Maybe a week or two?
Oh! No need to stay so long!
One week is enough to see everything.
I guarantee
that I'll take you to see
and do everything
since we're good friends now!
- Can we make a stop at the shop?
- What do you need?
I'll get it for you.
I just want to check on Rinai.
She is fine!
Don't worry!
Why are you doing this?
Doing what?
Keeping Rinai here.
It's for her own good.
Is it?
For her good, or for your guilt?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
A promise is a promise.
We are nothing
if we don't keep our promises.
You keep telling yourself that.
All done?
- Come, let's go.
- Where are you going?
Rinai, what do we say
when we don't want him to come?
- We are going to go and cook!
- That's right.
Rinai! Auntie Runa!
- Hello.
- Hello.
This is a type of wild vegetable. Women
go into the forest and forage for it.
Thanks.
I thought you were joking when you said
the villagers would send me food.
A promise is a promise.
We take promises very seriously here.
But I don't know how to cook.
What?
You can't cook?
Give it back!
Steak, pasta, Western? Okay.
But this, I'm not sure about.
Auntie.
He says he can't cook. What do we do?
Oh my.
I heard you have been very busy.
Yeah!
Ritap's taken me to do so many things.
The places, the food, the people,
everything's been wonderful.
I'm glad you like it here.
It's been fun.
I almost don't feel like leaving.
Don't say that.
Why not?
This place is great.
It's so peaceful here.
I think I'd be happy to move here.
That's easy for you to say
because you have a choice.
You can choose to stay
or leave anytime you want.
Hey.
Of all the places I've been to,
Bario really isn't the worst.
The air is fresh
and the pineapples are delicious.
The buffaloes in the fields,
are they free?
Buffaloes?
They may look free,
but the truth is, they are stuck.
Hanafi?
Is there anything else you want to do
while you're here in Bario?
Well, I'd like to experience the sunrise.
Sunrise? I know a spot.
I can take you there.
Great! When?
Tomorrow.
5:30 a.m. Wait for me outside.
Okay!
As a kid, I dreamed of traveling the world
and becoming a photographer.
I wanted get to know people
Let's go.
Rinai.
Yes?
You sure it's safe?
I am sure it's safe.
You said you wanted to
take a break, right?
Auntie Runa takes me there all the time.
Don't worry,
I know the trail like the back of my hand.
Okay.
Hanafi, can you tell me
about all the places you've been to?
Sure!
Where should I start?
We'll rest here for a while.
All right.
What's this?
That's a 50 mm.
My favorite for portraits.
How about his one?
That's 35. Pass it to me.
This?
We won't need that one
Rinai
Yeah?
You
What?
What are you doing, Hanafi?
Do you see this?
See?
Rinai
You're blind.
Blind
What is "blind"?
Thanks
for explaining to me
what "blind" means.
I should have noticed.
I'm such an idiot.
There were signs.
I just ignored them.
Has no one ever told you?
No.
But I always knew I was different.
I just didn't know in what way
Until now.
Even though everyone kept telling me
that we were all the same
I wondered
How it was that other people seemed
to know things that I didn't.
No wonder that ever since I was kid,
Auntie Runa taught me
to count every step.
Guruq
Forbids me to talk to outsiders.
Ritap
He shadows me everywhere.
He's always with me wherever I go.
They've constructed
a safety net around you.
The sun.
It's risen.
"Tegkang" (rainbow).
What?
"Tegkang" (rainbow).
It's there.
Isn't it?
Rainbow.
You're right!
It is!
It's beautiful.
Hanafi.
The safety net you talked about
That's why I'm stuck.
It's okay. I'm okay.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Beautiful.
Auntie Runa!
It's Rinai! Hurry!
Hurry!
What happened?
She fell. Where's the doctor?
The clinic is closed.
The doctor's out.
You only have one clinic here
and it's not open 24/7?
Village clinics are different.
This is not London!
Then let's go to the hospital!
Where did she fall?
- Down the hill.
- Which hill?
It's where we watched the sunrise.
You carried her all the way?
I didn't know where else to go.
The hospital is a 15-hour drive,
if you're lucky.
Can't we do something?
No bones are broken. She's okay.
Please! We have to take her
to the hospital!
Ritap! Your car!
Shut up! It is too far!
- We wait!
- Until when?!
Calm down.
Just wait a moment. Have faith.
Give me your keys!
You prick! No!
Enough! Quiet!
This is all your fault!
My fault!?
She needs medical attention
and all you guys will do is wait?
Is this how you treat the blind?
What have you said to her?
She has the right to know!
What have you told her?
What have you told her?!
Guruq
Rinai.
Rinai.
How do you feel?
I'm okay.
Guruq, please don't be angry at Hanafi.
It's not true.
Whatever he's told you, it's not true.
Guruq, I know
that I can't see.
No, he's lying.
You're just like everyone else!
Yes.
Guruq, may I have a glass of water?
Yes.
Here.
Guruq, throw the water at me.
What did you say?
Just do it.
Don't worry. I can see, right?
You said I'm just like everyone else.
If it's true, then I can see.
I can avoid it. So throw it at me.
No.
It's okay.
Do it.
Do it!
No!
This was our original longhouse.
Rinai's father was my neighbor.
We grew up together.
He was my best friend.
"Was"? What do you mean?
This was meant for Rinai.
That's me and Rinai's father, Terawe.
Rinai's parents?
Rinai's mother, Lina.
She died giving birth.
Complications with the pregnancy.
Rinai was born blind.
Terawe raised her alone.
Doctors, clinics, hospitals
he went to them all.
No cure.
Terawe used to always say that
Rinai was a miracle.
That she would become
a blessing to others.
When Rinai was 4,
there was an Irau Mekaa Ngadan
(a name-changing ceremony).
The Irau Mekaa Ngadan is
one of the most important ceremonies
in our traditions.
That day, dances, food, and music
filled up this entire corridor.
There hasn't been one as festive since.
At that time,
I had just returned from town
after two days of walking.
There was no road for vehicles back then.
I took the gasoline for the generator,
but I got pulled in to join the dancing.
I left the gasoline near the fireplace,
thinking that
I would come back for it later,
but I got so tired and I fell asleep.
Terawe saved me from the fire.
After he'd saved the last person,
a beam fell on him.
He couldn't get out in time.
Terawe!
Everyone came.
The fire was eventually put out.
Terawe was found later.
He was still alive, but
Barely.
I managed to see him one last time
in the hospital.
He made me promise to look after Rinai.
To give Rinai a happy
and normal life.
No wonder everyone is
so protective of Rinai.
Those who were saved by Terawe that night
Agreed to help me keep that promise
And help me look after Rinai.
We, the Kelabit people,
honor promises
like
life itself.
Ritap?
Ritap was 8 years old
when he saw Terawe pull his father
out of the fire.
Hanafi.
I will never let Rinai leave.
This is the only place
where I can make sure she lives
a happy and normal life,
just like Terawe wanted.
People like you come here,
have a good time,
and then
Go back to your respective lives.
For you people, this place
is just
an adventure.
An experience.
A trip. A memory. Novelty.
It's just an insignificant part
of your life.
But this?
This is everything for us.
Our whole world.
I'm sorry, Guruq.
That's okay.
You're not the first well-meaning outsider
who thinks that you know better than us
and that you can simply change things.
Guruq.
We cannot choose where we are born.
I hope you won't disregard me
just because I'm an outsider.
Otherwise, you're making
the exact same mistake
that you've just accused me of.
Have you ever considered that
in the name of giving Rinai
a "normal" life,
you might have given her
just the opposite?
What's the point of normal
if she's not happy?
I'm still amazed
by how you can tell who's who
just by hearing the footsteps.
It's not just the footsteps.
What is it then?
Secret!
Are you all right?
I'm okay.
- Even Auntie Runa said that
- Rinai
I'm fit to run up the hill again.
Come! Let's go see the sunset.
When did I say that?
I never said that.
What?
Kidding!
Ritap.
Rinai.
I'm just joking!
All right. I'm going back
to prepare for dinner.
Hanafi, come walk this old lady home.
I will teach you how to cook Bario dishes.
It's very important for a man
to know how to cook!
Don't be like Guruq.
But dinner? Starting now?
Yes, now.
I'm making a feast.
There's lots to do. A lot to do!
You two, come have dinner later.
Yes, Auntie.
"Ribed".
You can say that.
"Ribed"?
Thanks for the compliment.
Oh, okay
"Ribed" means pretty.
Guruq and the villagers installed those,
one at every junction
on the paths Rinai usually travels.
The sound indicates a turn.
It was built especially for her.
But she never knew.
She thought everyone relied on it
the same way she did.
Guruq is the one
who persistently makes sure
those things function perfectly
at all times.
How come no one ever says anything?
Terawe made Guruq Rinai's guardian.
Everyone respects and accepts that.
Although some did doubt Guruq,
he proved to them
that he is able to take care of Rinai.
He quit his teaching job
and opened the grocery shop
with all his life savings.
He even home-schooled Rinai.
Teaching job?
Guruq was a teacher?
"Guruq" is "teacher"
in the Kelabit language.
A teacher is
one of the most respected jobs here.
What's his real name?
Tapan.
Every step Rinai took growing up,
Guruq was always there for her,
making sure that she was safe and well.
Everyone in the village knows about Rinai.
We all help Guruq in our own way.
As Rinai grows older,
our love for her grows too.
Auntie,
I apologize
for being disrespectful earlier.
Relax, I'm not Guruq.
I know you mean well.
Thank you for trusting me.
It's not you that I trust.
It's Rinai.
Rinai trusts you.
I hope you don't betray that trust.
I won't.
Rinai is very special to me.
Good, son.
Guruq, you're like a father to me.
You have taken care of me all these years.
It's my turn to take care of you.
Don't be silly.
I mean it.
I want to help you keep the promise
you made to my father.
Let me make my own choices
just like every normal person does.
That's what makes me happy.
Rinai, I can't look after you if you go.
I don't want you getting hurt.
But you'll be here, right?
Always.
Then
I have nothing to be afraid of.
Having Hanafi's help is great,
but I won't just rely on him.
I want to try living my own life.
With or without
him, it's going to be okay.
I can always come running back to you
if things don't work out over there.
What's this?
It's bitter!
I've never had anything like this!
"Buri."
Please eat. Have this instead.
Guruq.
Please allow me to help Rinai.
How?
By helping her do what she wants to do.
What if she doesn't know
what she wants to do?
Then I will help her explore and find out.
And if she should fail?
I will be there for her.
And I would like to take her
to see specialists
if she is willing.
Why?
You think her blindness is a problem?
Of course not.
I just want her to have a better life.
You can't even support yourself.
Guruq.
I still have some savings.
I have an engineering degree.
I'm ready to go back to it anytime
if photography doesn't work out.
And, if it means working two
or three jobs, I will do it.
It seems like no matter what I do,
I can't stop your paths from joining.
I ask only one thing of you.
Promise me
that if one day, you ever find yourself
wanting to walk a separate path from her,
please don't abandon her.
Just return her safely to me.
I promise.
Careful, don't drop it.
How did you know what colors to use?
Auntie.
She helps me put
different colored beads in order.
I just need to memorize where they are.
But you weaved
these colors together so beautifully
even though you can't see them.
How do you even know?
I don't know.
But I feel like I know the colors.
Whenever someone mentions a color,
I can feel it.
So
What's "red"?
"Siak."
It's like fire.
Hot,
but also sometimes safe.
Like being hugged.
Orange?
"Birar bataq."
The sun.
Warm. Not too hot like red,
but
It's just warm.
Black.
"Mitem." Feels lonely.
Cold, nighttime, the sound of cicadas
"Bataq."
Fresh leaves.
The smell of the morning dew.
The sound of the wind blowing,
rustling leaves.
Fresh.
I love the way you "see" the world, Rinai.
It's the only way I know.
Anyone like me would be the same,
right?
No.
I've never met anyone like you.
You have a sensitive
and free spirit.
You appreciate all the things around you.
Even the smallest and simplest things,
things that most people take for granted.
Your spirit is special.
Why are you so smart?
I don't understand the Kelabit language.
The rainbow.
You knew there was a rainbow
even before I saw it.
In the past,
I was always in awe
whenever people would say
there was a rainbow.
I'd hear them shout "tegkang!"
So I asked Auntie Runa,
"What is a "tegkang"?"
Auntie Runa said that a "tegkang"
is the most beautiful bracelet
made by God.
In a "tegkang," every color is there.
No wonder
rainbows make people so happy, right?
Then I began to notice
that they usually appear
at a certain time.
When I could feel the warmth of the sun
during or after rain.
Hanafi, do you know
that rain has a smell?
Near or far,
I can smell the rain.
Hanafi?
That's how I can tell who is who
even if they don't want to speak to me.
Scent
So, what does Guruq smell like?
Guruq?
Like
Salt.
Salt?
Auntie Runa?
Like herbs.
Ritap?
Metal.
Rusty.
Hanafi?
Hand.
Hand.
"Tegkang." I made it for you.
May it keep you happy always.
Auntie Runa said that
"tegkang" is a promise of renewed hope
and a bright future.
Thank you.
But why would I need this when
There's you?
Don't worry.
Rinai is a strong girl.
Have faith.
Go on.
What?
You get to say "I told you so" to me now.
Fine.
You're right!
You've been right all this time.
You win. Happy?
Aren't you?
Yes. I'm so happy
that I no longer need to listen
to your annoying nagging
about setting Rinai free.
I told you so.
Thanks. For being there
for her all these years.
You're welcome.
Everyone leaves eventually.
Not everyone.
True.
It's going to be fine.
Ritap, my son,
you have so much talent in music.
I'm so proud of you.
Father, can I have your "Sape"
(string instrument)?
Of course!
Your grandfather made this "Sape"
with his own hands.
He got this wood from the old Pelaie tree
from the deep forest,
and he gave it to me
at my name-changing ceremony.
When it's time for your
name-changing ceremony,
I'll give it to you.
Play it again, Father.
Sure, my son.
Where are we going?
Hanafi!
Hanafi!
Where are we going?
Next time, just tell me in advance,
if you want to drive me
all the way back to Miri.
I could have saved on my flight ticket.
Ouch!
You think you're funny?
That's how you "lured" Rinai, right?
By showing her how funny you are?
What's wrong with you?
Slow down!
Slow down, what is wrong with you?
Well?
I couldn't find him.
Where did he go?
Maybe he got lost.
It's already dark.
I will go back out there.
He couldn't have gone far.
You alone?
It'd be faster with more people looking.
That's true, I agree.
You go and get the villagers
to help search for him.
Rinai, you stay here.
I want to help.
No, you just wait here.
We will come back as soon as we find him.
Don't worry, Rinai. We will find him.
Stay here.
Ritap!
Stop the car now!
Or else I'll jump!
Hey! Are you crazy!?
Jumping out?
Really?
You think you're Superman?
Are you stupid?
That is better than dying in your car.
I knew what I was doing!
Yeah, right.
If you knew what you were doing,
you wouldn't have taken me out here.
I cannot allow you to take Rinai away.
That is not up to you or me
or anyone else.
That is Rinai's decision alone.
What do you know?
You will never understand
how much I've given up for Rinai.
My father and my mother
treated her like their own.
But me?
What did I get?
All I got was,
"Ritap, take care of Rinai."
"Ritap, give that to Rinai."
"Ritap, help Rinai."
When Rinai got hurt, I got scolded.
My father told me
that Rinai and I belonged together.
My whole life has been about her.
My father made me promise
to look after Rinai with my life.
You will never understand.
Ritap
I wanted to become a famous Sape player.
To go around the world
and perform with my Sape.
But I had to give that up.
Rinai was here so I had to stay here.
And for what? All of this for what?
I love Rinai.
Rinai loves me.
I know that.
She's just confused right now.
You're wrong, Ritap.
Love is not possessive.
If you truly love Rinai,
then let her be who she wants to be.
But if she leaves,
I'll have nothing left.
Rinai never asked for any of that.
Neither did you.
It's time you both found
your own path in life.
If Rinai has the courage to take
that step, why don't you?
It's not too late, Ritap.
I believe that deep down in your heart,
you know what you truly want.
I'm going to see Rinai.
I too have a promise to keep.
Brother? You're right about
one thing though.
Rinai does love you
The same way she loves Guruq
and Auntie Runa.
Bye.
- Rinai!
- Hanafi?
Rinai?
Rinai!
Why did you come out here alone?
I must have just got lost.
We were worried about you.
It's okay, what's important
is that you're safe.
I'm so sorry for making everyone worried.
I must apologize to Guruq.
I hope he won't be too angry.
Of course he's going to be angry at you.
So angry that he won't allow me
to go with you.
Oh no, really? In that case,
I guess I'll just have to do
whatever he asks.
I'll even eat big plates of Buri
if I have to.
Come on, Guruq is not that scary
Rinai!
Hanafi?
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
But you'll have to help me climb up.
Rinai, I'm afraid
I can't do that just yet.
I sprained my leg badly.
I'm sorry.
You're hurt because of me.
It's not your fault.
It just happened.
All that matters is that we're okay.
What do we do now?
We stay calm.
Guruq, Auntie Runa, and everyone else
I'm sure they'll come find us.
Trust me.
Let's talk about
what you'd like to do in the city.
Cousin Lungan said
the river cruise is nice.
River cruise?
Okay. Done.
Next?
I want to try this ice cream called
"Jilato."
Gelato?
- "Jilato."
- Gelato. Done.
Next?
Well?
It's been a whole night.
Where could they be?
They don't have food or water with them
and the temperature was
very cold last night.
Yes, that's why we must keep looking.
This time, you two take
the Para Pawan area,
and you two team up
and take the Raan Aba direction.
How did this happen?
Why did you go so far from the village?
I'm sorry, Guruq.
It's lucky that Ritap saved you.
I was the one who fell, Guruq.
Hanafi protected me from getting injured.
No one asked you.
I told you to stay in the house!
Why didn't you listen?
Calm down. Everyone is okay now.
Maybe I need to think twice
about Rinai going with you.
Please, Guruq, I want to go.
I cannot let you go with this guy
who keeps getting you hurt.
I'm really sorry, Guruq.
It wasn't Hanafi's fault.
It was mine.
I forced Hanafi to come with me.
I drove into the jungle recklessly.
That's why he was in the jungle.
Ritap
I didn't want Hanafi to take Rinai away.
I wanted to teach him a lesson
by scaring him.
Guruq, I'm sorry.
When I found them,
Rinai told me what happened.
Look at them.
If they both fell, normally it'd be
impossible that only one would get hurt.
Rinai should have gotten hurt too,
especially because she cannot see.
Hanafi did protect Rinai.
Why didn't you say anything?
I didn't want to put anyone
in a difficult position.
Hanafi has a good heart.
I'm the one who should be ashamed.
I'm sorry.
Ritap, I'm sorry.
You've always taken care of me.
You're like my big brother
and I should have talked to you
about my dreams, my plans,
and my decisions.
It's all right, silly.
I was just worried and I care about you.
You do what makes you happy.
I know you're in good hands now.
We will always be family.
Forever.
Ritap!
We concur.
You are Agan Tadun, son of Sina Ngedtang.
We concur.
You are the son of Ngedthang Balang.
We concur.
And your mother is Sinah Ngedtang.
We concur.
You were born in the season
of the bright moon.
We concur.
That is why you're well-known.
We concur.
Your name is known
and it shall rise as high as the sky.
We concur.
Hanafi, Ritap has invited you
to attend his Irau Mekaa Ngadan.
From now on, Ritap will be known as Agan,
sharing the name
of a legendary Kelabit warrior.
With blessings from the elders,
Agan finally receives the Sape
which was passed down
from his grandfather to his father.
You take care of yourself.
Yes, I will.
Auntie
Come on.
Hanafi, I can't wait
to get in the "bilon".
You know what "bilon" means?
Airplane.
You're right. So clever.
GOODBYE
Let's go.
Won something?
Even better.
Hanafi's photo won the special award!
The only award!
And he's the first Malaysian who got it.
That's wonderful!
Scooch over.
Did you know that Earth is the only planet
in the solar system with rainbows?
- Really?
- Yes.
It says so in this book.
Agan.
Our friend has gone international.
Let's go.
Hanafi, is the "Jilato" tasty?
"Gelato."
You only bought one?
We'll share.
All right then.
Hanafi, is this place beautiful?
It is! It's called the River of Life.
There is a bridge and under it is a river.
The river flows from Klang
all the way to the Strait of Malacca.
The length of the river
is 1128 kilometers.
- This river under this bridge?
- Yeah! Right under us.