Yasmin Ahmad - The storyteller

I am not a movie buff nor someone in the film or entertainment industry. However from time to time I do keep track on what is happening in the industry though not an avid moviegoers. I happen to read about this film director, writer and blogger, Yasmin Ahmad. in SURF! issue 08.

She decided to make films after her father collapsed from some severe diabetic complication. That was the time she decided to portray the love between man and women - true love using her father and mother as the inspiration.

She started with her film Rabun in 2003

'Rabun' was my first feature-length film. It was the gold award winner for the Best ASEAN Feature Film at the 8th Malaysian Video Awards in 2003. It has also been selected for four international film festivals, including being chosen for competition at the Torino International Film Festival 2003 in Italy - the storyteller.

Sepet (2004) met with a lot of criticisms at home, mainly due to a scene involving a man in his underwear and some scenes with women clad only in sarongs. The film ran into some problems with the censors but was later released in the cinemas with some cuts. But there was no denying the film's ability to touch the hearts of many, and its unflinching approach to the many social issues in the country. The larger universal issues of humanity, which were clearly lost on the film's detractors, won Sepet the top awards on homeground at the Malaysian Film Festival, and Best Film at the Creteil International Women Directors Festival in France. - twitchfilm.net/archives/007974.html

Gubra (Anxiety) [2006], Yasmin had clearly grown in confidence, her style now more assured, tackling a bigger story with multiple characters. In fact, Gubra is essentially made up of two separate stories dealing with love, loss, compassion and forgiveness. Yet again, Yasmin met with some strong criticisms, especially for her portrayal of a religious man and his wife who befriend two prostitutes. And once more, Yasmin silenced her critics by again winning the top awards at the Malaysian Film Festival - twitchfilm.net

Mukhsin (2007), drama movie about children learns about love and friendship. During the school holiday, in the village Orked, ten years old meet Mukhsin who two years older than her. They soon become best friends, play together and even dress alike. Mukhlis likes Orked very much and Mukhlis feels that he falls in love with Orked, but a misunderstanding between them has changed everything.

One of her work is Muallaf that created a scene of uneasiness in Malaysia where a Malay girl Syarifah Amani shaved her head bald which is not the culture and identity of a women. The actor too create an environment of uneasiness among Malays because of her speech at Malaysian Film Festival 2006 and won Best Actress when she said this publicly; "I’d like to make my speech in English because I sound stupid when I speak Malay”


Muallaf is about girl name Rohani , aged 21 and her only friend she has in the whole wide world is Rohana, her 14 year old sister. They escape their abusive father -- Rohani's shaved head was forced upon her -- and meet with 28-year old Brian Goh. Brian himself was severely punished as a child for exploring his own body in ways which are taboo to the Catholic faith.

Together the girls and Brian learn to confront old ghosts and lay them to rest.

"Muallaf" is a story of old hurts, new friendships, and the painful yet beautiful journey to forgiveness.

picture credit: the storyteller.