A sad day in the movie industry in Malaysia - Yasmin Ahmad has left us..

I first saw the news on TV3's nightline just now.

There were no visual or footages, but only the female newscaster saying :

"Here's something just in. Nightline was informed that Yasmin Ahmad, renowned Film Director, has died. Yasmin, was the director of critically acclaimed films which include Sepet, Gubra and Talentime. Her films have gotten international recognition, including at the Cannes Film Festival. The 51 year old, collapsed at Sri Pentas last Thursday, and had emergency surgery at 6 pm the same day"

A check with Bernama, the national news agency at 1.36 am confirmed the sad news.

This is the Bernama story on the demise of Yasmin.

Film Director Yasmin Ahmad Dies

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- Renowned film and advertising director Yasmin Ahmad died here at about 11.25 pm Saturday night.

Her death was confirmed by Media Prime Group Chief Operations Officer Datuk Seri Ahmad Farid Ridzuan, who was at the Damansara Specialists Hospital, when contacted by Bernama.

Yasmin, 51, collapsed while presenting a working paper at Sri Pentas, the headquarters of the private television station TV3 on Thursday and was rushed to the Damansara Specialists Hospital.

She was reported to have suffered a stroke and brain haemorrhage - Bernama.

(bahasa Malaysia version)

Pengarah filem dan pengiklanan terkenal, Yasmin Ahmad, meninggal dunia, 11.25 malam Sabtu.

Pemergian Yasmin disahkan Ketua Pegawai Operasi Kumpulan Media Prima, Datuk Seri Ahmad Farid Ridzuan yang berada di Hospital Pakar Damansara, ketika dihubungi Bernama.

Yasmin, 51 tahun, rebah ketika sedang menyampaikan kertas kerja di Sri Pentas, Ibupejabat stesen televisyen swasta TV3, Khamis lalu dan dikejarkan ke Hospital Pakar Damansara,

Yasmin dilaporkan mengalami strok dan pendarahan otak - Bernama.

It was unbelievable and shocking.

We have just lost a prodigal movie director.

I first saw Yasmin Ahmad blockbuster movie "Sepet", about 4 years ago and instantly loved it very much.

Sepet is a 2004 Malaysian romantic comedy drama film set in Ipoh, Perak.

Sepet tells a tale of love that blooms between a Chinese boy and a Malay girl. Sepet is a Malay word which, in this context, refers to the 'slit eyes' of the Chinese.

The lead actor is Choo Seong Ng as Jason (Ah Loong.) The cute and petite Sharifah Amani starred as Orked - Jason's lover.

Surprisingly, the film achieved phenomenal success..

Sepet won the Best Asian Film Award at the 18th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2005, beating others from traditional Asian movies powerhouses and heavyweights such as India's Bollywood and Hong Kong as well as Japan and Korea.

Sepet also won the Best Film award at the 27th Créteil International Women's Film Festival in France and the Global Chinese Golden Arts Awards.

At the 18th Malaysian Film Festival, Sepet won 6 awards - Best Film, Most Promising Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Poster.





Normally i only watch Hollywood movies and selective Malay movies such as the late Seniman Agong Tan Sri P. Ramlee movies, Dato Rahim Razali and Ahmad Yatim movies, Sabah Film Production - Deddy M Borhan movies, Peristiwa Bukit Kepong, Azura, Jangan Pandang Belakang, Pontianak harum sundal malam and Senario the Movie Part One.

I am sorry to say but the rest of the Malaysian made movies are not enjoyabe.

But Yasmin Ahmad movies were not only explosive, entertaining and unique, but they have won many international acclaims and recognitions including at the famed Cannes Film Festival.

Apart from Sepet, Yasmin Ahmad also directed other blockbuster movies such as Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf and Talentime, her latest and last directed movie.

"Gubra" won the Best Screenplay award at the Malaysian Film Festival 2006.



"Mukhsin" won the Generation kplus - Best Feature Film and the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix award at the Berlin International Film Festival as well as the Best Asean Film at the Cinemanila International Film Festival 2007.



"Muallaf" won the Asian Film Award - Special Mention at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2008.





The cute Sharifah Amani featured in most of her movies... To me, Sharifah Amani is like Yasmin's own daughter.. Sharifah Amani, also won the prestigious Best Actress Award at the Malaysian Film Festival..

Adibah Noor is another regular actress in Yasmin Ahmad movies.

Having directed 6 memorable movies, Yasmin Ahmad left a legacy of her works in the film and advertisement arenas in Malaysia, thriving on the themes of love, family ties and humour against the backdrop of multiracial Malaysia, a truly One Malaysia..

Farewell to you Yasmin.... You will always be remembered forever... God bless your soul...