The recent Anugerah Skrin 2014 saw a TV drama with a religious theme bagging the most awards, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
BAGGING five awards in total, TV drama MatahariTerbitLagi shonethebrightestattherecent Anugerah Skrin 2014 (ASK2014).
The poignant tale of the awkward bond between a Chinese grandfather and his Muslim grandson won Best Drama, Best Drama Director (Azeli Mohammad), Best Actor (Anuar Chew Abdullah), Best Videography (Mohammad Mohd Rameli) and Best Screenplay (Eenaz Mokhtar).
At the awards show recently, held at Putra World Trade Centre, its producer Ashraf Muslim couldn’t contain his excitement.
“This is a recognition that I’ve been waiting for.
The drama’s religious theme isn’t a common one and I made sure that it follows the Shariah laws closely.
I see this as a great beginning for me and the genre.
I hope, after this, there will be more Islamic-themed dramas.” Having been producing for two years now, the former actor added: “Through my productions, I try to convey important Islamic messages.
I make sure that the audiences get those messages.
That’s my mission in this industry.” TVdramaBalqisisanotherbigwinner, grabbing the Best Drama Actress (PuteriBalqis),BestDramaSupporting Actor (Namron) and Best Drama Supporting Actress (Nabila Huda) awards.
Directed by Erma Fatima, the telemovie is about a poor family who move to Kuala Lumpur to start a new life, but find there are new challenges they have to face.
YOUNGEST WINNER
Seven-year-old star Puteri Balqis broke the record for being the youngest Anugerah Skrin award-winner when she was crowned Best Drama Actress for her role in Balqis.
“I am so happy over this win.
I didn’t expect it at all.
Acting is my passion.
It was hard at first but I’ve gotten the hang of it, thanks to the support from my parents.
Puteri Balqis said she didn’t act to win awards.
“I just want to please my fans by doing my best every time,” she gushed shyly, adding that she’d love to act in a supernatural film next.
Another winner who couldn’t believe his luck was Anuar Chew Abdullah, 49, who won Best Drama Actor for Matahari Terbit Lagi.
“I didn’t even know I had been nominated before tonight.
This is a big surprise for me.
All I want to do now is go home and let this sink in.
But first, I want to take a few selfies with the trophy.” The actor debuted in theatre before making it to TV.
He had starred alongside Joanna Bessey and Mano Maniam in the TV sitcom Kopitiam.
“I suppose not many knew that I’ve converted to Islam because I still go by my Chinese name, Chew Kin Wah,” he explained, adding that he made the life transition in 1995.
Previously, Anuar was always playing baddies, be it on TV or in films.
He admitted that it was an easy role to play.
“However, I am glad that I won the Best Actor award, not for one of my gangster roles — something that I’m stereotyped for.”
PLEASANT SURPRISE
Best Drama Actress winner Nabila Huda was thrilled to finally get the recognition for her talent.
“I’ve worked in this industry for 14 years, so I’m already used to not winning anything.
Alhamdulillah, this year is different for me,” said the actress.
This year’s Anugerah Skrin marked her first ever nomination.
“This is a sweet moment that I will share with my dad (Amy of the rock band Search),” said the actress, tearyeyed.
“I am lucky to have my family who are there for me even though I haven’t really said my thanks to them for putting up with me and my heavy schedule all this while.” She said her role in Balqis is “heavy”.
“I love portraying gritty and emotional roles where I don’t have to put on heavy make-up or don fancy clothes.
I love the challenge because it pushes me out of my comfort zone.” Meanwhile, Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba said she was surprised that her historical film, Tanda Putera, has won the Best Film award.
“I thank the jury for having faith in my craft.
I didn’t expect that they’d choose a patriotic film over the others, which are great contenders,” she said.
Shuhaimi added that despite the criticisms directed at the movie (for its controversial depiction of the May 13, 1969 tragedy) she and her production braved through it all and remained strong.
“That is part and parcel of being a filmmaker but the win has made it all worthwhile.” While Shuhaimi took home the Best Director award, actor Zizan Nin won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Tun Dr Ismail in the film.
“Since this is a historical film, I worked extra hard to give an accurate portrayal.
I am satisfied with the outcome and glad to see that others can see it too,” said Zizan, who won the Most Promising Actor award at Festival Filem Malaysia 20 in 2007.
INDIE FILM INTEREST
Actress Sharifah Amani, who won the Best Actress (Film) award for her performanceintheromancethrillerPsiko Pencuri Hati, hopes to see the growth ofindependentcinemainthecountry.
“I was born in the indie genre and it has remained close to my heart.
This is where I belong and I will continue to champion it,” said the petite actress.
Psiko Pencuri Hati directed by Namron, also saw her co-star Bront Palarae winning the Best Actor (Film) award.
“It was just a small film by any local standard but we are happy to see that a lot of people in the industry are acknowledging our work.
“Winning the awards only prove that we can make it on our own.
If we can get this far, I am sure we can go further.” Amani, who previously won the Best Film Actress award in Anugerah Skrin 2010 for Muallaf, was also happy for director Nik Amir Mustapha’s indie movie Kil, which won Best Film award at the recent Festival Filem Malaysia.
ASK 2014’s Best Suppor ting Actress (Film) award winner Natasha Hudson admitted that her role in Lemak Kampung Santan was tough.
“Sofia is a hateful woman, so I needed guidance.
I am thankful to the film’s cast and crew, and I dedicate this win to them,” said Natasha.
MUSICAL INTERLUDE
At ASK2014, audiences were treated to performances that ranged from rap and hip hop, ethnic pop and jazz.
There were also musical skits and parodies.
DJ Fuzz, Dikir Warrior, Waris and Iwere presented a unique rendition of dikir barat and hip hop in their performance.
Azlan & The Typewriter, Black and Hafiz wowed the crowd with covers of songs popularised by Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Ziana Zain and Misha Omar — Jerat Percintaan, Kesuma Hati and Bunga-Bunga Cinta.
The show also featured pop-rock star Stacy singing Siti Nurhaliza’s ethnic hit Cindai, complete with a modernised take on the zapin dance, as well a medley of hits by rock queen Ella (Dua Insan Bercinta, Sepi Sekuntum Mawar Merah, Standing In The Eyes Of The World).
For the musical theatre segment, Erma Fatima, Aziz M.
Osman, Nora Danish, Nur Fathia, Izreen Azminda, Nazim Othman, Norlia Ghani, Jalil Hamid and Mak Mah gave a rousing performance.
It was then followed by a performance by Ebby Yus, Emelda Rosmila, Achey and Amar Titan with a comedic skit, Dua Lagenda, directed by Adlin Aman Ramli.
This year, two new award categories were introduced — Best Drama Series In Social Media (Ariana Rose) and Best Premium Drama (Karlos Bolos).