gone too soon

Yasmin Ahmad is undeniably the ONE and only ONE Malaysian filmmaker who excites me everytime she comes out with a new movie. It's one of those must-do things on the list. I must say that her passing was a little too soon and will stir many emotions among youngsters especially those who started watching Sepet during their teenage years. The local stereotypes she portrayed in all her movies highlights all the little minute details we often overlook in our daily lives. Typical controversial issues of race, religion, taboos, superficials and lifestyles; Yasmin never ceases to instill humour in her work.

I still remember the first time I saw Sepet, I fell in love. It was the last copy in the DVD shop that time and I hastily grabbed that very last one and proceed to the cashier. Then, Gubra came along entailed by one of my favourite, Mukhsin. Mukhsin showed a total different cast altogether and a whole different storyline compared to Sepet and Gubra. Mukhsin is one of the most sincere and pure movie about a first-love story of two young children. Yasmin also proved that one don't need popular and renowned actors or actresses to sellout a movie. It is the inlying message which makes the movie so special and memorable! Jason and Orked running in the rain towards the busstop with pink plastic bags covering their heads - you do remember that don't you? and how Orked irked when she saw a bunch of char-siew (bbq pork) in the kopitiam. And the guy with the handphone who stood still and stared at the phone each time it rang but not answering his calls until sounded?

I must say that when Muallaf was introduced by Yasmin in the newspapers, I was thrilled; but it was disappointing and nettlesome that the Censorship Board of Malaysia banned the movie in our country, what shallow stupidity! It's always the issues of religion and race that these bastards couldn't stop getting rid of magnificient homegrown talents. What's wrong with the equality of religion? No offence but I still don't understand why these so called 'intellects' have to put their religion a note higher than other religions. I mean, we all share the benefits of religious acts. I hope Muallaf DVD is still selling in Singapore. I had been looking high and low for that movie!

... *breathe* Now, the most recent show, Talentime was another case of interracialism and conservatism. I have had enjoyed all of Yasmin Ahmad's movies except for Rabun and Muallaf and I was actually waiting for a new one to hit the silverscreen but God must have loved her more. She left us with inspiration and her solid principles on Malaysian stereotypes and misbeliefs, she showed us what we often not see and neglect - love, family, ignorance, arrogance and so much more. We'll miss you dearly...

"...it is the imperfections that made them perfect." Yasmin Ahmad (1958-2009)