Anugerah Skrin 2016 winners include big and small-budget films with heavy themes, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
THE emergence of Redha as Best Film at the recent Anugerah Skrin 2016 (ASK 2016) proves that the category isn’t limited to only blockbuster films.
Redha, starring Namron, Nadiya Nisaa, Harith Haziq and Izzy Reef, is a poignant tale of a father struggling to come to terms with his son’s autism.
Director Tunku Mona Riza had expected a blockbuster like horror drama Munafik to win. “It took us a while to go on stage because we were still reeling in shock,” she recalls in an interview. “I’m not complaining, though. I’m so happy and blessed.”
Meanwhile, Munafik’s director Syamsul Yusof says Redha deserves the win. “When we judge a film, the budget or the popularity of its cast members don’t matter. Art is subjective, and there is something special in Redha that made it the best choice for the award.
“The local film industry needs more films like this. I congratulate the team for their bravery in investing in such a story.”
Produced by Current Pictures, Redha marks Mona’s debut feature film. It made the list of films competing for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards and 74th Golden Globes.
It won several awards in the international circuit this year, including the Asian World Film Festival, Los Angeles Awareness Film Festival and World Premiere Film Festival.
Mona says: “I love presenting stories that are based on true events, and those which get the voice of community heard.”
She hopes her win can inspire young filmmakers. “Whatever subject you take on, you need to do it from the heart.”
In Mona’s case, autism is taboo as many families with autistic children choose not to discuss it. “It’s important to feel, breathe and love the subject, even if it’s one that most would be afraid to touch on and produce the film with sensitivity and finesse.
“If you’re going to represent a family already going through so much, the last thing you’d want to do is to add to their troubles.”
Namron, in an earlier interview, said Mona was “very detail-oriented” during filming.
To that, Mona says: “When I tell a story about other people, I can’t afford to misinform. I try my best to make sure that those related to the subject feel good about it. That’s my responsibility as a filmmaker.”
Themed Capturing Dreams, ASK 2016 was held last Friday at Putrajaya International Convention Centre. It was hosted by Alif Satar, Mira Filzah and Sarimah Ibrahim and featured performances by Alyah, Faizal Tahir, Shila Amzah, Hazama, Amir Jahari, Bocey, Raihan and others.
HARD WORK PAID OFF
Namron, whose real name is Shahili Abdan, won Best Film Actor for his portrayal in Redha. He says: “I actually thought (Shaheizy) Sam would win, because his acting (in Polis Evo) is superb. I guess it’s my rezeki tonight.”
Namron, Harith and Izzy, as an ensemble, won Best Actor In A Full-Length Feature Film at the 12th Kazan International Muslim Film Festival 2016.
“To become the best actor, one has to work with a great director, a wonderful script and a capable production team. And I found them all in Redha.
“There are scenes for which we had to do more than 20 takes because Mona is a perfectionist. It’s good that she is very patient,” says Namron. “As an actor, such perfection can be difficult to achieve. I had to keep in mind my motivation and intentions. This challenge was incredible but fruitful. ”
He adds that if Redha makes the cut to be in the running for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars or Golden Globes, it will possibly be screened again in cinemas nationwide.
This marks his third ASK win, the first and second being Best Supporting Drama Actor for Parit Jawa (2012) and Balqis (2014), respectively.
MEATY ROLE
ASK 2016’s Best Film Actress went to Maya Karin for her role in Nota. “Yesterday, I was still unsure if I’d make it to the awards show, because I’m a bit under the weather. I didn’t even have a dress ready!” she reveals jokingly. “Luckily I attended, and this award makes me feel a whole lot better.”
She says she did not put any hopes on winning an award because her contenders, including Nabila Huda and Nadiya Nisaa, were excellent actresses.
“I loved Nadiya’s portrayal in Love Supermoon. It may be a romantic comedy, but she gave a warm, beautiful performance.”
Psychological crime thriller Nota, about an estranged couple drifting apart due to the wife’s infertility, was directed by visionary Japanese filmmaker Yasu Tanaka.”Working with him was an interesting experience because of the language barrier. The film is gritty, but it was a challenge for us to even communicate with each other,” she reveals, laughing.
Maya encourages film students to watch it to witness a different technique and perspective in filmmaking. “There are different ways to make a film. Be brave in trying your ideas out.”
THE RIGHT CHOICE
Petite actress Tiz Zaqyah considers her win for Best Drama Actress as a nod to fully return to acting.
She has been selective as she had been offered roles that were similar in nature. “Thankfully, Cermin Kasih came.”
In the telemovie, she plays Marina, who was forced to be a drug addict by her husband, who is played by Shaheizy Sam. After getting caught, a pregnant Marina gives birth to her daughter in prison. The girl grows up and the imprisoned mother can merely see her daughter through the glass partition separating them in prison.
“It’s very heavy. I even wondered if I could pull it off. Working with (director) Murali Abdullah was scary too at first because of his esteemed reputation. I’ve never had to exude so many emotions before... that was exhausting!” she reveals, laughing.
To prepare for her role, she was taken to several prisons. She wondered if she could portray such an emotionally fragile character.
“I think the drama’s success is the result of great teamwork between the cast and crew.”
SISTERLY WIN
Sisters Fauziah and Fazlina Ahmad Daud bagged Best Supporting Actress in the Film and Drama categories, respectively. It is a special honour for Fazlina because she grew up watching her elder sister act and win various awards.
“She had made our parents proud,” says Fazlina, holding back tears. “I won an award too tonight, but our parents are no longer around. Nevertheless, I know that they’re proud of me too.”
Fauziah was supposed to attend ASK 2016, but had to cancel because of toothache. “She’s my mentor, and showed me some tough love. I’m sure she’s proud of me too,” says Fazlina, who initially was unaware that she had been nominated this year for Cermin Kasih.
Prior to this she had been nominated three times. This is her first win at ASK. “Right now, I’m a little shocked because all this while, it’s been Fauziah who has been winning awards!”
FOR WOMEN, BY MEN
Another big winner is telemovie Fatin, which took home Best Drama, Best Drama Director (Razaisyam Rashid) and Best Videography.
“My fellow nominees are far more experienced than I am, so I didn’t expect to win,” says Razaisyam.
Fatin is about Faz (Sharifah Amani) a carefree young mother who spurns the responsibility of bringing up her daughter (Yuyun).
The telemovie strongly highlights feminism. Razaisyam was inspired by the idea of how his mother and his wife have brought up their children. “I was intrigued by how attached mothers are to their child. The special bond they share is endearing. I made Fatin especially for my mother and wife, and that’s why I worked wholeheartedly on it.”
This theme affected the presentation of the story as well. “The male actors had no dialogue. Faz’s husband (played by Pekin Ibrahim) only comes in a dream. The irony is that the telemovie’s crew members were all men.”
Fatin also marks Razaisyam’s first heavy drama, after churning out comedies previously. “Drama is more intense and it affects our mood. Nevertheless, it carries strong emotions. For me, making a heavy drama is much more satisfying as a director.”
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
Best Film - Redha
Best Film Director - Syamsul Yusof (Munafik)
Best Film Actor - Namron (Redha)
Best Film Actress
- Maya Karin (Nota)
Best Supporting Film Actor
- Hushairi Hussain (Polis Evo)
Best Supporting Film Actress - Fauziah Ahmad Daud (Langit Cinta)
Best Screenplay - Wan Hasliza (Love Supermoon)
Best Drama - Fatin
Best Drama Director - Razaisyam Rashid (Fatin)
Best Drama Actor - Beto Khusyairy (Ramadan Berteduh Syawal)
Best Drama Actress - Tiz Zaqyah (Cermin Kasih)
Best Supporting Drama Actor - Jalil Hamid (Calon Syurga)
Best Supporting Drama Actress - Fazlina Ahmad Daud (Cermin Kasih)
Best Drama Series - Wadi
Best Social Media Series - Kau Aku Kita
Best Comedy Series - Mak Cun 2
Best Comedy Actor - Erma Fatima (Mak Cun 2)
Best Drama Videography - Idham Mad Din (Fatin)
Best Script - Siti Jasmina Ibrahim (Rekah)
Best Drama Editing - Izhar Masuri (Rekah)
Best Award Programme - Anugerah Juara Lagu 30
Best Documentary Programme - Majalah 3 (Wira Beret Semerah Hati)
Best Entertainment Programme - Buskestra
Best Talkshow Programme - Halaqah 2016 (Terlepasnya Ikatan Dajjal)
Best Reality Programme - Let’s Cycle 2
Best Special Report News - Berita TV9 (Pertemuan Semula Highland Towers)