Fare thee well, Yasmin Ahmad
(Bernama) – “I am optimistic and sentimental to the point of being annoying; especially to people who think that being cynical and cold is cool. Everyday, I thank Allah for everyday things like the ability to breathe, the ability to love, the ability to laugh, and the ability to eat and drink.”
This was to be Yasmin Ahmad’s final posting in her blog dated July 17. It was as if she knew that her life was coming to an end and that she must declare that she was very grateful to the Almighty for all the blessings she had received.
Yasmin Ahmad, 51, died at the Damansara Specialists Hospital here at 11.25pm Saturday night. She collapsed while presenting a working paper at Sri Pentas, the headquarters of the private television station TV3 on Thursday and was rushed to the hospital. She was reported to have suffered a stroke and brain haemorrhage.
Left a legacy of her works
Yasmin Ahmad left a legacy of her works in the film and advertisement arenas, thriving on the themes of love, family ties and comedy against the backdrop of multiracial Malaysia.
Born in Bukit Treh, Muar, Johor on July 1, 1958, Yasmin, who graduated in psychology from Newcastle University, United Kingdom, had won local and international creativity awards.
Married to Abdullah Tan Yew Leong, she began her career as a copywriter with Ogilvy & Mather before joining Leo Burnnett as joint creative director in 1993 and rose to become its creative executive director until her death.
Her creativity could be seen in many Petronas' commercials and evoked emotion of the viewers especially during the Aidilfitri celebration which would certainly be missed by viewers this year.
In the filming industry, Yasmin, however, drew much controversy in view of her openness and boldness in analysing social issues.
She was at the mercy of critics since her first movie, "Rabun" was screened in 2003 followed by "Sepet" (2004), "Gubra" (2006), "Mukhsin" (2006), "Muallaf" (2008) and Talentime (2009).
Despite the drawbacks, she also earned rave reviews for "Sepet" which was accorded the Best Film Award and the Best Original Screenplay Award at the Malaysian Film Festival 2005.
International recognition
"Sepet" also bagged several international awards, namely the Asian Film Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2005, the Grand Prix Award at the Creteil International Women's Film Festival in the same year.
"Gubra" won the Best Screenplay award at the Malaysian Film Festival 2006.
"Muhsin" won the Generation kplus – Best Feature Film and the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
"Mukhsin" also won 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.
While leaving indelible mark at home, Yasmin's movies gained international recognition as they were shown in Berlin, San Francisco, Singapore and at the Cannes Film Festival.
She was finally laid to rest at 12.40pm today at the Tanah Perkuburan Islam in SS20, Petaling Jaya.
