Long Live The Storyteller!
Malaysia has her heroes. From corporate stalwarts to merciful messiahs. But if there was one superstar to emerge from this lot, one to have her very own star on Bukit Bintang's Walk Of Fame (if ever there was one), one to have touched every Malaysian's life either in a good way or bad through her works, it has to be ...
Yasmin Ahmad
We have to admit, her stories and films have touched us in ways we never thought it could. It has incited disbelief and anger, and drawn tears from our eyes through reflection and humour. There is a fervour every Hari Raya and Merdeka for "what will the Petronas ad be this year?" True, in this advanced day of creativity, every corporation which has the moolah to spend on a tearjerker TVC will try to outdo each other with stories dug deep from the attics of our minds and cellars of our hearts. Each in an attempt to awaken lost loves, hope and inspiration in each of us.
But I ask - do you remember who started it? Who remembers the MAS commercial which started the ball rolling with three boys who grew up together, through the Japanese Occupation (voiced over by Ali Mohd, Chairman of Leo Burnett)? And the 3-minute rockumentary featuring Frank Sinatra's "My Way", heralding Malaysian heroes? Did those not leave your eyes moistened? Or at least made your hair stand at the back? How about Petronas' Hari Raya commercial about the trishaw puller whose son had forgotten him? That had many people saying how un-festive it was, that instead of bringing cheer, brought reflection and depression. Well at least it had people talking - and I know that some of my friends actually canceled their holiday trips just to be home with their parents after watching that commercial. If only it sold more petrol though... And of course, who can forget the uproarious Sepet, which celebrated inter-racial love?
Yasmin Ahmad might not be a Scorsese nor have Spielberg's indecent budgets for a movie (she has been known to personally fund some of her films), but she has put Malaysia and Malaysians on the map. She has made Malaysia famous for its people, and made the world see that besides two very tall buildings and some funky coconut-flavoured rice with sambal, there are walking, talking, feeling, thinking, crying, laughing, funny, tall, short, fat, skinny and coloured human beings that mobilizes the country behind the name, behind the "Malaysia, Truly Asia" jingle.
I left this comment on her blog:
Long live patriotism, beautiful cultural differences, funny misunderstandings, beautiful weaknesses, ugly idealism and national petroleum!
Yasmin Ahmad
We have to admit, her stories and films have touched us in ways we never thought it could. It has incited disbelief and anger, and drawn tears from our eyes through reflection and humour. There is a fervour every Hari Raya and Merdeka for "what will the Petronas ad be this year?" True, in this advanced day of creativity, every corporation which has the moolah to spend on a tearjerker TVC will try to outdo each other with stories dug deep from the attics of our minds and cellars of our hearts. Each in an attempt to awaken lost loves, hope and inspiration in each of us.
But I ask - do you remember who started it? Who remembers the MAS commercial which started the ball rolling with three boys who grew up together, through the Japanese Occupation (voiced over by Ali Mohd, Chairman of Leo Burnett)? And the 3-minute rockumentary featuring Frank Sinatra's "My Way", heralding Malaysian heroes? Did those not leave your eyes moistened? Or at least made your hair stand at the back? How about Petronas' Hari Raya commercial about the trishaw puller whose son had forgotten him? That had many people saying how un-festive it was, that instead of bringing cheer, brought reflection and depression. Well at least it had people talking - and I know that some of my friends actually canceled their holiday trips just to be home with their parents after watching that commercial. If only it sold more petrol though... And of course, who can forget the uproarious Sepet, which celebrated inter-racial love?
Yasmin Ahmad might not be a Scorsese nor have Spielberg's indecent budgets for a movie (she has been known to personally fund some of her films), but she has put Malaysia and Malaysians on the map. She has made Malaysia famous for its people, and made the world see that besides two very tall buildings and some funky coconut-flavoured rice with sambal, there are walking, talking, feeling, thinking, crying, laughing, funny, tall, short, fat, skinny and coloured human beings that mobilizes the country behind the name, behind the "Malaysia, Truly Asia" jingle.
I left this comment on her blog:
Selamat petang, Yasmin.And here's her reply:
This comment is not a showcase of intellect, but rather, it is a simple note to record my highest admiration, respect and support for all that you have done and are doing for the everyday Malaysian. Thank you for reaching deep inside and bringing our insecurities, fears and beliefs to light, making them all seem totally human, forgivable and acceptable.
Once upon a time I worked in LB (02-04, on the BCB account). No we never worked on the same accounts, but nonetheless, I was star struck from the very beginning, from the first email we received from you, telling us the sights, sounds, smells and smiles you saw on your way to work. Honestly, I'd never seen Masjid Jamek in such a romantic light!
Anyway, abashedly I announce that I have watched all your films, and that Mukhsin made me cry. I listened to Schumann's Traumerei Op. 15 over and over again with renewed zest!
Congratulations on all your achievements and accolades. There will be naysayers, but know that here is a bunch of people who love and adore you and your work. Unconditionally.
Long live Yasmin The Storyteller.
oh adeline, that's just the sweetest, most reassuring thing ever said to me. i hope never to disappoint you with any of my films, inshaallah.
Long live patriotism, beautiful cultural differences, funny misunderstandings, beautiful weaknesses, ugly idealism and national petroleum!
posted by Adeline Gypsy Heart | 12:31 PM
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