Malaysian Film Night and Director Q &A - Ninavau by Bebbra Mailin

The ANU Malaysia Institute invites students, academics, and the Canberra public to a special screening of NINAVAU, the debut feature film by Malaysian director Bebbra Mailin. Stay with us after the screening for an in-person conversation with the director herself!

Rooted deeply in Sabahan and Kadazan culture, NINAVAU was the much-discussed opening film of the 2025 Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to see it before its commercial release in Malaysian cinemas this November. The film follows Ninavau, a young Kadazan woman living in Peninsular Malaysia, who returns to Kota Kinabalu carrying a secret. Through her journey, the film sensitively explores themes of religious identity, multiculturalism, indigenous family life and cultural tradition.

Light refreshments will be provided for registered attendees at Hedley Bull foyer at 5.30pm. Screening starts at 6pm, followed by post-screening discussion with the director at 7.45pm.

About the movie
Ninavau, a Kadazan based in Peninsular Malaysia, returns home to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah for her sister’s wedding. Her family, deeply rooted in tradition and community values, sees her as a source of pride and a symbol of continuity. However, Ninavau carries with her a personal transformation that she has yet to share.

Director: Bebbra Mailin
Writers: Bebbra Mailin and Muzzamer Rahman
Main cast: Jovenea Jim, Edward Sinsong, Tati Eliana
Length: 93 minutes
Language: Malay/Kadazan
Country: Malaysia

About the Director

Born and raised in Sabah, East Malaysia, Bebbra Mailin has been involved in a number of well received short film productions in Sabah and West Malaysia. Her short films have been featured in Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, South Korea and several local film festivals. Apart from directing, she has produced a feature film Prebet Sapu (Hail, Driver!) and was selected for Malaysia’s Official Entry in 94th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film Category. Currently, she lectures at Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Ninavau is her first feature length film.

You can see the trailer here.

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