Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Muallaf (The Convert)
 Yesterday, I once again went out with Huz & Ann Jay (too bad Iz couldn't make it) to watch an arts film called Muallaf. It is basically about two Malaysian sisters, Rohani and Rohana, who run away from home to escape their wealthy father’s mistreatment. They find refuge in a small town where they get to know Brian Goh, a young Catholic school teacher. Brian is irresistibly attracted to the two girls. Impressed by their extraordinary courage in the face of adversity, their relationship forces him to confront the ghosts of his own childhood. Director Yasmin Ahmad explores the possibilities of emotional survival after being traumatised by loved ones. Through the wanderings of three lost souls who band together and console one another, Muallaf celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and the coming to terms with the past. It also portray a powerful spiritual connection that cuts across religious boundaries. I have never understood arts film before but after watching some of Yasmin Ahmad's film like Sepet, Gubra & Mukhsin, I must say that this Malaysian filmmaker, really know what she's doing! She never released a film for the sake of releasing it. All her films have the power to engage the heart, mind and soul. What I extremely love about her is, she's an open minded person. She dares to undertake taboo issues and showed them on screen. This sparks controversial discussions in Malaysia’s media. The Malaysian censorship authorities also requested key scenes in Muallaf to be cut, if it were to be aired in Malaysia. Eventually, the film was banned since Yasmin Ahmad didn't budge. No wonder the words "The film Malaysia may never get to see" was printed clearly on the movie's poster! So for U who are yet to watch the film, please head to The Picturehouse at The Cathay right now! The deadline has been extended to 12th December if I'm not mistaken. Hurry as there are very very limited seats and it is always full booked! Do take some time to think about the message that lies behind each scene and I'm sure U will love this film. I qoute a verse from the film (roughly), "...people are afraid of things they don't understand..." So what are U waiting for? Haha!To find more about Yasmin Ahmad and her humble thoughts, do visit her blog @ www.yasminthefilmmaker.blogspot.comP/S: For your information, the numbers cited by one of the girls in the film actually represent verses from the Qur'an. Occacasionally, there are verses from Tao Te Ching and the Bible too! Awesome, right? If only I can recall all the numbers! I really wish to look it up in the "Tafsir"... :( P/S/S: Yasmin Ahmad is currently working on her 2009's film called Talentime. Apparently, she chose to feature the Indians next. She has always featured the Malays & Chinese. I can't wait for the release!!! :DRegards,Niz
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