Right after finishing SPM, I thought I had my life figured out—science stream, clear path, simple plan. But reality hit hard when my results didn’t exactly shine. Around that same time, something unexpected started to shape my future… the emotional, unforgettable Petronas commercials directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad.
Those ads weren’t just commercials—they were short films that felt real. Honest, simple, deeply Malaysian. Featuring familiar faces like Rozi Rashid and Sharifah Amani, they told stories that stayed with you long after they ended. And without realizing it, I was completely drawn in.
At that point, I wasn’t even thinking about advertising or filmmaking. But something about those stories sparked curiosity. “What if films could do this too?” I wondered.
So I went on to study Media Innovation (Advertising) at MMU Cyberjaya, inspired by Yasmin Ahmad herself—who was once an Executive Creative Director before becoming a filmmaker. The plan? Follow her footsteps: start as a copywriter, then transition into film.
But the deeper I went, the stronger the pull toward filmmaking became. It wasn’t just interest anymore—it felt like a calling.
I made a bold decision: if I couldn’t get into New York University (NYU) for film, I wouldn’t pursue it at all. No backup plan. No second option.
And then—it happened. I got in.
At NYU, surrounded by passionate storytellers and mentors, I began to truly understand what filmmaking meant. It wasn’t about flashy visuals or complicated techniques. It was about feeling.
That’s what made Yasmin Ahmad’s work so powerful.
Her films like Sepet and Mukhsin weren’t just stories—they were experiences. Grounded, relatable, and deeply human. They made people think, reflect, and most importantly… feel.
To me, that’s the true purpose of film.
Not just entertainment—but connection.
Imagine this: someone walks into the cinema stressed from work. They watch your film, and for a moment—they smile. Or maybe they feel inspired to call their parents, or reflect on life. That emotional impact? That’s success.
That’s the magic Yasmin Ahmad gave us.
And here’s the truth—there will never be another Yasmin Ahmad.
Just like there’s only one voice for every filmmaker. We can be inspired, but we can’t replicate. What we can do is tell our own stories—authentic, raw, and uniquely ours.
Malaysian cinema doesn’t need to force diversity or follow a formula. A “true Malaysian film” is one that reflects real life here—whether it’s a Tamil-speaking estate story, a Chinese family drama, or a Malay kampung tale.
If it’s real, it’s Malaysian.
That’s what makes it powerful.
🎥 So maybe the future of Malaysian film isn’t about going bigger—it’s about going deeper. Telling stories that matter. Stories that make people feel.
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