Invoke.sg interview with Yasmin Ahmad
admin on 05 22, 2009
Humanity behind Controversy
..on ‘Muallaf”& Other Works by Yasmin Ahmad
Love, sad, compassion, provocative, belief, loss, humor ; we name it, she has it, all.
In fact, during the screening of ‘Muallaf’, audiences were laughing most of the times enjoying its funny cute scenes and scripts. Yet certainly there’s a deep and profound meanings behind it. For instance, there was this part when Rohana (Sharifah Aleysha) begins to spout numbers and phrases from the Quran, Bible & and the Tao Te Ching(Taoism), yet isn’t aware that she is getting on other people’s nerves & driving them crazy (esp her Arts teacher, Mrs Siva!). Nevertheless, reflecting on this scene, we thought it’s a call to really understand the Quran and its meaning. And it’s more saddening to see people using and abusing the Quran, quoting various verses simply for their own interest and to support their agenda. Also, just how many of us have actually read or is familiar with the bible even?
Indeed, this well-known award winning director’s works, both commercials & films, are special. It touches on the reality and challenging issues facing humanity today ; from a very basic conduct like respecting parents to the importance of interracial communication and respecting others.
..the Interview
Invoke.sg interview with Yasmin Ahmad was a quick one, due to the crowd and time constraint. Out of six, only three issues were brought up ; Yasmin’s inspiration, tips for aspiring young filmmakers & her latest film “Talentime”, set for cinemas on 26 March 2009.
To sum it up: her first film she ever saw was a Japanese film (her mum is half japanese btw), hence was influenced a lot by Japanese directors – by the likes of Shuntaro Katsu, Yasujiro Ozu, Imamura Shohei, just to name a few, and even recommended ‘Departures’, a recent Japanese film by Yojiro Takita. She also shared some tips for aspiring young filmmakers that, as much as they can create sci-fi but it is more important to get personal, and that every characters to be based on somebody that has affected their life. Finally on her latest film “Talentime”, it gives a glimpse into Malaysian Indian life, inviting audiences to look into their feelings, problems and hopes, which are just as similiar to others.
..Invoke.sg say
Love story, thriller, action or horror; every work made by every filmmaker is unique. Like an artwork painted by an artiste. Hence, appreciating it is to individual’s preferences. Whether or not there’s an intended messages behind the work, let us not be judgemental but instead to look at and appreciate it with positive values.
[4:58] Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when ye judge between people that ye judge with justice: verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! for Allah is He who heareth and seeth all things. – Holy Quran
Click here for synopsis and more details on ‘Muallaf”