For this inaugural post, the team of writers from SMFS will discuss Isnor's short film, 'Genggam', which is about silat, a Malay martial art. 'Genggam' is the first collaborative project under the Sinema Incubator Programme!
And also Lynn Malik's MTV production for her song, Pen Merah Pen Biru, directed by Shahrezza Zuhri and Rezzuraction, the first Singaporean Malay production company to produce an MTV Video simultaneously!
Genggam is about 2 'pendekar' or warriors who had battled. The pendekar who lost had died from the battle, supposedly. His daughter, Zulaika, seeks to avenge her father's death and faces Indra, the son of the victorious pendekar. SMFS catches up with Ashmi and Zamberi at the Genggam shoot!
Ashmi Roslan, 28, of Anugerah Skrin, X-Tion, OKB and Yazid Pakai Lampin fame, is Indra, the son of the victorious pendekar in Genggam.He started his TV career in the 80s, as a child through Bengkel Kanak-Kanak like Imran Ajmain. Later, he was inspired to join Anugerah Skrin just "for the sake of trying" but from then on, he got offer after offer in the acting scene. Genggam is his 2nd 'serious' (non-comedic) acting.
Despite being tired after the acting, Ashmi willingly granted SMFS an interview. Talking about Genggam and his experience, Ashmi explained with determination.
"I was flattered when Isnor asked me (to do this film)," Ashmi quips, "because there are veterans like Rafaat, Zamberi and I'm honoured to be acting with mentors."
Specially for this film, he and Rafaat Hamzah (acting as the victorious pendekar) had been undergoing training in silat with the Kembang Wali group since the fasting month last year.
"I have to convince people that I'm a pesilat. I have to do my homework," he explained.
Not your ordinary actor, Ashmi also can sing and knows the many behind-the-scenes work! He took vocal classes from Iwan and Man Toyak on the correct techniques of singing. Asmi also writes songs! The bubbly actor also is inquisitive about behind-the-scenes.
"I'm the type of actor who likes to learn, like lighting, camerawork. At the end of the day, you have to know," he said.
For those who wish to pursue performing arts?
"If you minat sesuatu, take it one by one. Seni ni halus tau and you kene ikhlas," he advised, smiling cheerfully.
Zamberi Abdul Patah
Zamberi Abdul Patah, 41, needs no introduction. A veteran in the local theatre, drama and productions scene since the past 20 years, he acts as the silat assistant of Rafaat Hamzah's character. Genggam is his first involvement in short films. Zamberi has been going freelance, dealing with camerawork, directing and producing.
"There are a few things which can be improved on, like communication, but so far, so good. I wish I could contribute more (laughs)," Zamberi said of the Genggam production.
On the local film scene and SMFS in general, he said: "SMFS can do a lot more. It's a good idea. Kalau kita lagi active, lagi best. I'm proud to be a member! For me, it's a beginning, it's a start. I'm excited," Zamberi told us.
GENGGAM MISCELLANEOUS
Witness the Genggam production first-hand!!
Find out more about the Incubator Programme: http://www.sinema.sg/incubator/MY OPINION
To me, it's hard to find any weaknesses in this Isnor instalment. It was very professional and smooth. The overall production semangat or enthusiasm was very high.
I went for the shooting at AsiaWorks gym at Davidson Rd in MacPherson for 2 days. Everyone just knew what to do and were task-oriented; the PA was timechecking, managing the extras. I felt I wanted to contribute to the production: maybe carrying the dolly, helping the art director or re-angling the lighting!! The semangat was infectious I must say. The crew was Rezzuraction's.
I feel the storyline involves too many actor parts. I'm ok with a lot of actors (cameos, appearances), but in this film, every actor has a major role influencing the whole plot. I think it's going to be a little tedious for the audience to focus on the storyline. However, it's like a double-edged sword. More actors can mean the storyline is more developed and complete.
There was a PA to manage the actors, but I think she was busy also with the production. When I was interviewing the actors, I observed that they were left hanging around and doing nothing. Maybe, we could have like one or two personnel to handle the actors and to cater to their needs and welfare?
One thing for sure, this film has the potential power to attract more people into the indie film circle. I think the overall concept and angle of the film is good and deserves a chance by everybody.
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This Genggam review was brought to you by the Singapore Malay Film Society (SMFS). Catch the next entry on Shahrezza Zuhri's MTV of Lynn Malik!
