Chester Pang is a Malaysian film director and producer based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. As co-founder of Can Bah Production Sdn Bhd and Pro-Merge Vision Sdn Bhd, Pang has played a pivotal role in developing Sabah’s emerging film industry. His mission is rooted in empowering local talents, preserving cultural heritage, and telling uniquely Sabahan stories that can resonate with national and international audiences.Pang rose to prominence with his directorial debut Craze Below The Wind (2022), a Mandarin-language comedy about two siblings who journey across Sabah with a mysterious suitcase. The film was a milestone for the local industry, employing 52 crew members — 80% of whom were Sabahans — and was screened in 53 cinemas across Malaysia and Brunei. It reflected Pang’s commitment to growing the local filmmaking ecosystem and promoting Sabah's cinematic potential.His production company, Can Bah Production, offers end-to-end film services, from script development and editing to talent management and training. The company aims to solve long-standing challenges in the Sabah film landscape, such as lack of infrastructure and limited funding opportunities.In 2025, Chester Pang expanded his creative range with the release of Mantera, a horror-thriller that weaves ancient Bobolian (indigenous priestess) mysticism into a gripping cinematic experience. Set in the Dusun village of Toboh, the story follows Tana (Jovenea Jim), the last heir of a mystical lineage, who must confront the terrifying spirit of Lupiah and her family's dark ancestral secrets. The film stars Syafie Naswip, Namron, Eva Sandra Duin, and Juliana Yongun, and features cinematography by Tim Stephen — noted for his work on Sinakagon, the first Sabahan film featured on Netflix.Produced on a RM1.2 million budget and distributed by Skop Productions, Mantera premiered in April 2025 across 50 cinemas nationwide. Despite a brief theatrical run in Sabah, the film was praised for its authentic portrayal of Dusun spirituality and cultural symbolism. Critics highlighted Pang’s vision in blending folklore with modern horror, cementing his role as a cultural storyteller and innovator in Malaysian cinema.Chester Pang’s work continues to elevate Sabahan narratives on screen while fostering a sustainable creative industry in East Malaysia. Through films like Craze Below The Wind and Mantera, he is not only shaping the regional cinematic landscape but also giving voice to communities often underrepresented in mainstream Malaysian media.🔗 Useful Links:Filmmaker opens office to develop industry in Sabah – The Borneo PostPromoting Sabah through filming industry – The Borneo PostMantera to haunt 50 cinemas nationwide – Daily ExpressMantera: A spellbinding Sabahan horror – Femag OnlineGSC Movie Page – Mantera
