KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 20 July 2026 – ITAM: A Sun Bear Story, Malaysia’s first feature-length wildlife documentary about the Bornean sun bear, will be released in cinemas nationwide on 23 July 2026 in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
Directed by Malaysian filmmaker Raymond Tan and produced by Brainchild Pictures, the documentary follows the true story of Itam, an orphaned Bornean sun bear rescued after losing his mother to poachers. Filmed entirely in Sabah, the film chronicles his rehabilitation at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and his journey back to the rainforest.
More than the story of a single bear, ITAM: A Sun Bear Story highlights the challenges facing one of the world’s least understood bear species and the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting its future. Through intimate storytelling and unprecedented access to the rehabilitation process, the documentary offers audiences a rare glimpse into the lives of both the bears and the people working to save them.
The film is released in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia in support of Visit Malaysia 2026, where the sun bear has been chosen as the campaign’s official ambassador, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to showcasing its unique wildlife and natural heritage.
“ITAM is ultimately a story about hope,” said Raymond Tan, Director of ITAM: A Sun Bear Story. “By following the life of one rescued bear, we hope audiences gain a deeper appreciation of our rainforests, our wildlife and the importance of conservation. If the film inspires even one person to care more about protecting nature, it has achieved its purpose.”
The production was made possible with the support from Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Baba organics fertilizer, Bask Bear Coffee, SPIC, Blackmagic Design, RED Digital Cinema, Asia Pacific University (APU), Sense Perfect International College and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
ITAM: A Sun Bear Story opens in cinemas across Malaysia on 23 July 2026.
