KOTA KINABALU: Renowned Sabahan filmmaker Tony Francis Gitom passed away around midnight on Thursday at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) here, a close friend confirmed.
He was 58.
The Penampang-born director was widely recognised for television series and telemovies including Selamat Hari Jadi Su, Cinta Korporat and Cinta Antara Benua.
Beyond directing, Tony was also a scriptwriter and editor who ran his own production house in Penampang, contributing quietly but consistently to Sabah’s screen industry.
He was active on social media, where he often shared thoughtful observations on local filmmaking and encouraged emerging talents.
Close friend Evelyn Mercado, who serves as production manager on his latest project Bila Aku Mati, said filming was still ongoing and added that Tony had been unwell for about a week prior to his passing.