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New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Four popular stars try their hand at directing

MENTION the names of Fattah Amin, Zahiril Adzim, Siti Saleha Baharom and Janna Nick, and fans of television and cinema will automatically recognise them as credible and versatile actors and actresses of Malaysian showbiz. 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."