Students remember Yasmin

Amir Muhammad’s latest book is simply titled “Yasmin Ahmad’s Films” and was launched at Sunway University College recently. The venue was a natural choice as it was here that Yasmin spoke to students in May 2009 on “What makes Yasmin Yasmin?”. Sharifah Amani, the actress who played Orked in Yasmin’s films was present and declared Amir’s book officially launched.

Sharifah Amani declaring Amir’s book launched

Students recall vividly how Yasmin gave a memorable and captivating talk on the state of film-making in Malaysia, overcoming cultural barriers and her inspiration for her films. In just two months after her talk at Sunway, Yasmin passed away.

As a friend and fellow filmmaker of Yasmin’s, Amir gave a personal look (with quite a few tangents) at Yasmin’s 6 feature length films, Rabun, Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf and Talentime as well as several of her popular commercials in his book. The book which is described as “chatty and informative” is a tribute to one of Malaysia’s most amazing daughters.

Amir speaking about Yasmin 

Amir Muhammad is a Malaysian writer, publisher and occasional movie-maker and has been writing for the Malaysian print media since the age of 14. His films and documentaries have been shown in many international film festivals including Sundance and Berlin. Two of them, “Lelaki Komunis Terakhir” and “Apa Khabar Orang Kampung”, are banned in Malaysia. He is the compiler of the best-selling series “Malaysian Politicians Say the Darndest Things”. In 2007, he set up Matahari Books to publish non-fiction and film-related books on Malaysia.

Elizabeth Lee (left) and Amir inviting others to have a JCo green tea doughnut which was Yasmin’s favourite snack for her and her crew during filming

All the royalties from the first edition will be donated to the Mercy-Yasmin Fund for Children.