The public screening of Yasmin’s commercials at UM’s Asia-Europe Institute. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
THE legacy of the renowned filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad in bringing Malaysians together was celebrated at a special screening of her television commercials.
The event at Universiti Malaya’s Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) was hosted by Malaysia India Heritage Society (MIHS) in collaboration with Yasmin Ahmad Foundation.
The selection was personally curated by Yasmin’s sister Datin Orked Ahmad and the editor of all her films, Affendi Jamaludin.
MIHS president Prabhakaran Nair said Yasmin, who passed away in 2009, was a storyteller who spoke a universal language of love, compassion and unity.
“Her films reach out to millions of hearts and crosses political borders,” said Prabhakaran.
Orked, in her speech, said Yasmin was someone who saw beyond race, religion and background.
After the screening, a sharing session was held with the creative people and acquaintances of Yasmin, moderated by AEI deputy executive director (academic and student affairs) Dr Adil Johan.
It featured Affendi, writer Jovian Lee, actor Mahesh Jugal Kishore, actress Tang Mei Ling, actor Alan Yun, writer and filmmaker Sherrina Krishnan and actor Linus Chung.
“She was never given a script by the agencies for any of the advertisements she had to do.
“They allowed her free reign on what she wanted to film,” said Affendi.
(From left) Reddy, Prof Rajah, Prabhakaran and Sasikumar giving a token of appreciation to Orked before the screening.
Yun said Yasmin was regarded as a legend in the film industry and that she always viewed everyone as equal.
“I do not have the ‘Pan-Asian’ look sought-after back then, but I was still chosen by Yasmin to feature in her advertisement.
“The film industry in Malaysia was prejudiced, but Yasmin challenged that,” he said.
Mahesh noted there were not many opportunities for minorities to act, especially in main roles back then.
“Hopefully in time, things will improve further,” he said.
Lee said that after writing the first few drafts, Yasmin would not invite other writers, but instead those who worked around her to join the process.
“It could be her driver, her secretary or the receptionist, she would have them present personal stories of their own.
“So there was a certain magic to these advertisements because there was a level of realism in it,” he said.
When asked what Yasmin would have wanted from future generations, Sherrina said it was to tell stories of unity and diversity.
“Because everywhere in the world, including Malaysia, we need to continue the story of unity.”
Also present at the screening were Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy, AEI executive director Prof Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah and MIHS executive committee member Sasikumar G. Poduval.
