#SHOWBIZ: Four popular stars try their hand at directing
The four of them are set to make their mark as directors soon, and their maiden television dramas on TV3 are set to be screened this month.
Fattah, Zahiril, Siti Saleha and Janna are participants in TV3's latest initiative 'Dari Layar Ke Lensa' (From Screen To Lens), which features actors and actresses taking on the role of directors.
TOUCH
Janna, Siti Saleha, Zahiril and Fattah will each bring his or her own touch to their directorial works, which encompass both comedy and serious drama.
Fattah said: "Each telefilm presented is the result of our original ideas. Some are inspired by true stories, novels, and personal experiences."
Siti Saleha said: "All of us were directly involved from the early stages of project development all the way to location scouting sessions."
HIJAB
Siti Saleha's drama is 'Rentak Di Hati' (July 5, 10pm) starring Auni Yusri, Zhen Ning, Khatijah Tan and Amanda Tan.
It tells the story of a woman with a hijab who is a lawyer by day and a disc jockey by night.
Fattah has 'Noktah Dosa' (July 12, 10pm) starring Nafiz Muaz, Elvina Mohamad, Fattah Amin and Jasmin Hamid.
It is about a post-graduate student who falls in love with a prostitute while doing research.
AUTISTIC
Janna's drama is 'Susu Lima Kupang' (July 19, 10pm) starring Trisha Ooi, Adam Haris, Fazlina Ahmad Daud and Namron.
It is about an orphaned girl who is determined to get a new radio for her autistic mother.
Zahiril's drama is 'Pencuri Rumah Iman' (July 26, 10pm) and tells the story of a robber whose mission is botched and finds refuge at the house of an imam.
STORYTELLER
Zahiril said: "I've largely been inspired by Mamat Khalid, who is a superb storyteller.
"While I've yet to reveal my cast of actors and actresses, all I can say for now is that they are a popular ensemble cast.
"This telemovie is really a comedy. I love comedies but recognise that they are a lot more difficult than dramas."
COMEDY
Zahiril has great respect for comedians because comedy is an art form, and it is never easy to make others laugh.
"Being a director is quite a headache job, but it's a natural upgrade for any actor. As a director I must think on my feet all the time to make sure that my movie or drama is as good as it gets," he said.
"It's always been my dream to one day become a director but having said that I will not abandon acting as I love it."
COMMERCIALS
Fattah said that he had directed television commercials in the past, and the good thing about being a director is that he can "change the storyline".
"As a director, I can make the necessary amendments to ensure that the story is better," he said, adding that he was a fan of comedies.
"I also love films that are inspired by novels, and dramas that are based on true stories," he said.
INDONESIAN
Fattah, who will be starring in an Indonesian horror film soon, said that he will be playing a character in his new telemovie, namely the former husband of the heroine (Elvina).
"The film is entirely my idea, but the cast was suggested by the producers," he said.
"I must admit that it is not easy for an actor to direct and act, it is kind of awkward."
GOAT
Janna said that her telemovie was "{interesting" as she had to direct a goat and some children.
"Trisha plays a mother, while Aiman is her son who is very close to a goat," she said.
"This telemovie is actually a serious drama, just what I like. And it is based on a true story."
Janna filmed her drama a month ago, and it took her a week to wrap up.
SKILLS
She added that 'Dari Layar Ke Lensa' was a great platform for actors and actresses to upgrade their skills.
"Directing has taught me a lot about teamwork, and it has always been my dream to direct a story which involves strong and independent women characters," said Janna, who admires Erma Fatima, Ogy Ahmad Daud, Datuk Fauziah Nawi and Ellie Suriaty Omar.
EDUCATIONAL
Siti Saleha said that she wanted her telemovie to be a light-hearted yet educational one.
"It's based on a true story, but I've made it into a romantic comedy," she said, adding that the late Yasmin Ahmad was her biggest inspiration.
"We took a week to complete it, and I'm happy that my ensemble cast worked great together and had great chemistry.
"It is tiring being a director, but the end result is truly satisfying, especially when there is an interesting script."
HUMAN
Siti Saleha loves human interest stories and aspires to be a screenwriter someday.
"I won't abandon acting, though. But in the years to come I'll be going for some directing and screenwriting courses, and that's a good upgrade.
"I love stories about people, especially women, who face challenges, overcome them and emerge stronger."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Jamal Abdillah: Alamak, I got another 'special grandchild'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian music icon Datuk Jamal Abdillah, 66, has announced the unusual birth of a five-legged calf on his integrated cattle farm in Bukit Merah, Perak. The legendary singer shared a video of the special male calf with close contacts via a WhatsApp broadcast, expressing his surprise and delight. "Oh my, I've got another 'grandchild' but his legs are extra long and 'special'," Datuk Jamal was quoted as saying, referring to the unique anatomical feature of the newborn calf. He further elaborated on the calf's distinctiveness: "But what's strange is that this male calf has extra legs, meaning it has five legs. This special calf is unique and I will not sell it and plan to continue to keep it." Datuk Jamal, who has rekindled his passion for cattle farming, also shared an update on the thriving state of his farm. "Actually, I enjoy raising cows and it's just a hobby," he explained. He revealed that he has been raising 25 integrated cows for approximately a year and five months. These cows were provided by the Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan for breeding purposes, with the understanding that they can be sold within five years. "I also took in a lot of female cows so that they would grow easily. Alhamdulillah, this is the second year and the cattle business is also thriving," he added, expressing gratitude for the farm's success. Datuk Jamal Abdillah initially ventured into commercial cattle farming in May 2023, operating his farm which spans almost two hectares in Bukit Merah.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Heart And Soul: A touching reunion of former SMK Bukit Mewah teachers
The writer (front row, standing, in long-sleeved batik shirt) reconnects with fellow educators from SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban, at their first full reunion in over 20 years. — LIONG KAM CHONG Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: heartandsoul@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". We are former teachers and head teachers of SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban – now scattered across the country after retirement or transfers over the past 20 years. Though we stay connected through a chat group aptly named 'SBM BFF' (Seremban Bukit Mewah Best Friends Forever), full group meet-ups have been rare. So, when someone suggested an in-person reunion, the response was swift and enthusiastic. What started with 20 interested members quickly swelled to 50. To ensure comfort, the organisers eventually capped the number as the hotel restaurant hosting our high tea had its limits. The date – May 16, 2025, Teachers Day – was perfect. True to our teacherly nature, a full programme was drawn up. And long before the 2.45pm registration, most of us were already there, buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was electric – like a scene of long-lost friends reunited. Handshakes, hugs, laughter and chatter filled the room. In that moment, we were no different from the noisy students we once guided. There were stories, questions, laughter – and heartfelt memories. Many had aged gracefully, some remarkably unchanged. Amid the joy, we paused to remember colleagues who had passed on. But we agreed – at this stage of life, acceptance is key. That, we decided, is the true recipe for healthy ageing. The organising chairperson opened with a brief welcome, followed by a doa (prayer). Then, the celebration began –our first full reunion in over 20 years. Ten of us, former school administrators, were seated at the 'VIP' table with a served meal, while the rest, seated across four other tables, enjoyed a buffet spread. But after two decades of retirement, titles no longer mattered – we soon left our seats, mingled freely, and helped ourselves at the buffet. Conversations flowed as easily as the laughter. More than the food, it was the reconnection that mattered most. Smiling faces and joyful chatter said it all. An hour was set aside for open sharing, and unsurprisingly, the slot filled quickly. Teachers, after all, rarely shy away from a stage. We heard stories of post-retirement life: travel, health, family time, and new hobbies. It was clear – retirement was not just well earned, but well lived. The highlight came with the cutting of the Teachers' Day cake, followed by a rousing group's declaration of 'Kami guru Malaysia, berikrar dan berjanji ...' (We, Malaysian teachers, pledge and promise...). Our voices filled the restaurant – Surely, the other guests knew their school-going children were in good hands! The photo session that followed was a flurry of activity. It took time to gather all 50 of us for the group shot, but that didn't stop the phones from clicking – smaller group photos, selfies, and candid moments captured in abundance. By 6pm, it was time to part. There were waves, hugs, and quiet goodbyes. And in every heart, the same thought lingered: When will we meet again?
Sinar Daily
5 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
'Malaysia in You' - A love letter to Malaysian children growing up abroad
FOR Dr Ayne Zarof, a London-based medical doctor and mother, the journey into authorship began with a question many diaspora parents quietly carry: How do I make sure my child knows where they come from? Her answer came in the form of a children's book titled Malaysia in You —a vibrant, heartfelt story designed to help Malaysian children living abroad connect with their roots and share their heritage with the world around them. The book is set to launch next month and is now available for pre-order at Born from Motherhood and Representation 'I became a mom three years ago, and when my son started reading, I couldn't find stories where Malaysian kids like him were represented, especially kids growing up outside of Malaysia. 'I wanted him to see himself in the books he reads and understand that you don't have to live in Malaysia to feel Malaysian. That identity can live in you, no matter where you are," Ayne told Sinar Daily after her book reading session at Aperture Cafe's Bual Space in Kuala Lumpur recently. The book, she says, was written first and foremost for her son but quickly evolved into something bigger: A bridge for all Malaysian children living abroad who may not have easy access to cultural narratives that reflect their unique identity. The book is set to launch on July 14 and is now available for pre-order at Reclaiming and Sharing Malaysian Identity In the UK, Ayne points out that Malaysians often don't even exist as a distinct category. 'In Britain, I'm usually grouped under 'Asian Other.' That lumps us into a monolithic Asian identity that doesn't reflect the depth and richness of our Malaysian culture, language or history.' Malaysia in You aims to change that narrative, she said starting with children's books where identity often first takes shape. 'I want Malaysian children to be proud and unapologetic about their heritage. There's so much richness, in our languages, our traditions, our food and we should be proud to share that with the world.' Why Food As the Starting Point? Interestingly, the book opens with a theme very close to Malaysian hearts: food. 'You can't really separate Malaysian identity from food,' Ayne laughed. 'It's how we connect. Every gathering, every celebration, starts with food and it reflects the melting pot that is Malaysia.' Through familiar tastes like pandan, gula melaka (palm sugar) and even spicy dishes, Ayne hopes to nurture the 'Malaysian palate' in her children, even as they grow up thousands of miles away. 'Food is an easy, joyful way to start conversations about culture, history and identity," she said. Ayne during the book reading session at Bual Space. A First Step, Not the Last While Malaysia in You is her debut children's book, Ayne hopes it's only the beginning - not just for her, but for other storytellers too. 'I'd love to see more books from and about Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Our stories deserve space on global shelves. I hope this book inspires other writers to share their voices," she said. As more Malaysian families plant roots across the globe, Malaysia in You stands as a gentle, colorful reminder: Identity isn't about geography - it's about belonging, pride and knowing your story.
