I stared at my monitor screen for a long while, not too sure how to start this particular entry. But I feel the need to write out most of these thoughts before it passes, I think, in a matter of time. Like the fleeting moments after which we often forget to write down the things that actually mean, a lot to ourselves.
At 25 degree Celsius, my room felt cold enough with the air-conditioning as it is, but no less colder than the news I have received via the updates from peers and colleagues on Facebook. In fact, I just frozed.
I met Yasmin during one of the workshops that was held by the organization I'm working for. She was a guest speaker and she shared with us her own philosophy towards human relationships, she spoke of how she seek out the genuineness in people, and how she always managed to inculcate her brand of sensitivity into her works for film and television. She exuded a certain charm, and gave off a whole lot of light (and humour) during her presentation, and that no one was able to draw their attention away from her. Yasmin Ahmad is a human. One who understands oneself, and feels for the others.
After the talk, I went up to her and like a shy fan, asked to take a picture with her. She readily agreed and flashed out a cheeky grin for the snap. As she turned to walk away, I muttered "You're so..."
She looked back, bewildered and wondered what I was trying to say.
"
You're so... full of heart."
She gave a laugh.
"
I'm just an idiot", she said.
A very, very nice idiot. I thought to myself.
Words cannot express how I feel at this moment. Even though I've only met her for a brief session, I felt I've learned a great deal of a lesson about making sense of what lies ahead in my own practice of filmmaking, and to a certain extent, the appreciation of life for what it is. Truly, she is a role model. Most importantly, she brightened up my day.
For the people who knew her well, I'm sure they would have a whole lot more stories to share.
Asia has lost a brilliant filmmaker.
The world has lost a great person, whose heart will always be irreplaceable.
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. - Yasmin Ahmad
Goodbye Yasmin. You will be missed.
