July 26, 2009

she's gone....



YASMIN AHMAD 1958-2009

Renowned film and advertising director Yasmin Ahmad died 11.25 pm yesterday, July 25th. Her death was confirmed by Media Prime Group Chief Operations Officer Datuk Seri Ahmad Farid Ridzuan, who was at the Damansara Specialists Hospital. Yasmin, 51, collapsed while presenting a working paper at Sri Pentas, the headquarters of the private television station TV3 on Thursday and was rushed to the Damansara Specialists Hospital. She suffered a stroke and brain haemorrhage which was the cause of her death.

She left a legacy of her works in the film and advertisement arenas, thriving on the themes of love, family ties and comedy against the backdrop of multiracial Malaysia. Born in Bukit Treh, Muar, Johor on July 1st, Yasmin, who graduated in psychology from Newcastle University, United Kingdom, had won local and international creativity awards.

Married to Abdullah Tan Yew Leong, she began her career as a copywriter with Ogilvy & Mather before joining Leo Burnnett as joint creative director in 1993 and rose to become its creative executive director until her death.

In the filming industry, Yasmin, however, drew much controversy in view of her openness and boldness in analysing social issues. She was at the mercy of critics since her first movie, "Rabun" was screened in 2003 followed by "Sepet" (2004), "Gubra" (2006), "Mukhsin" (2006), "Muallaf" (2008) and Talentime (2009).

*AL-FATIHAH*

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