Yasmin Ahmad was well-loved. From a politics and psychology major to one of the most lauded Malaysian film directors, the late Muar-born multifaceted talent gained local and international recognition thanks to her touching and thought-provoking pieces. Before her passing at age 51, she worked to highlight important social issues through her art – and never failed to do so. Her award-winning films and ads were screened everywhere – from Berlin, San Francisco, Singapore, the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Thus, it’s no surprise that international streaming giant Netflix has decided to add onto their slate of local stories with three of her powerful pieces. These include:
‘Rabun’
“Rabun is an enlightening story of Pak Atan and Mak Inom who return to the country after getting worn out by the hustle and bustle of city life. Upon returning, the couple finds that life in the countryside may not be that pleasant after all.”
Yasmin Ahmad’s debut film ‘Rabun is a quirky’ and heartwarming one that was inspired by her own parents after her father turned partially blind as a result of diabetes.
Starring: M. Rajoli (‘Pak Atan’), Kartina Aziz (‘Mak Inom’), Ho Yu-hang (‘Elvis’), Norkhiriah (‘Orked’) and Rozie Rashid (‘Cik Nor’).
‘Mukhsin’
“The story takes place in Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam in 1993, and tells the story of 10-year-old Orked’s first love. Orked who arrives with her elder brother and aunt to spend the school holidays in the village, catches the eye of Mukhsin. Mukhsin soon becomes tormented by his love for Orked when their relationship remains a platonic one.”
‘Mukhsin’ is the prequel to Yasmin Ahmad’s award-winning ‘Sepet’ and ‘Gubra’ and the last film of the ‘Orked’ trilogy. Taking home the Grand Prix of the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk for Best Feature Film at the 57th Berlin International Film festival, ‘Mukhsin’ perfectly captures the nostalgia of youth and the innocence of first love.
Starring: Mohd Syafie Naswip (‘Mukhsin’), Sharifah Aryana (‘Orked’), Salehuddin Abu Bakar (‘Husin’) and Sharifah Aleya (‘Mak Inom’).
‘Talentime’
“Talentime tells the story of a school talent competition that matches two hearts – that of Melur (an Anglo-Malay girl) and Mahesh (a deaf and mute Indian boy). Melur, with her melodious voice, singing whilst playing the piano is one of the seven finalists of the Talentime competition. Mahesh is enthralled by Melur, but his traditional family objects to their relationship. Another finalist, Hafiz , fascinates people with his vocal talent while playing the guitar, using music to cope with the pressures of dividing time between school and his mother, who has been hospitalised with a brain tumour.”
‘Talentime’ is a touching portrayal of love, family and the trials of everyday life, set against the soundtrack by Malaysian composer Pete Teo.
Starring: Pamela Chong (‘Melur’), Mahesh Jugal Kishor (‘Mahesh’), Mohd Syafie Naswip (‘Hafiz’), Howard Hon Kahoe (‘Kahoe’), Azean Irdawaty (‘Embun’), Noor Adibah (‘Cikgu Adibah’) and Harith Iskander (‘Harith’).
Starting 18th December, viewers can catch all three masterpieces – ‘Rabun’, ‘Mukhsin’ and ‘Talentime’ – on the platform.
*Cover image credits: Instagram