AHMAD Idham Ahmad Nadzi is the "go to" person if you want to produce a hit film.
Why not. Almost all of the films that he directed were box-office hits. His Jangan Pandang Belakang is still the highest grossing local film, collecting more than RM6 million.
His other hits include Remp-It, Congkak, Impak Maksima, Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak, Senario The Movie Episod 1 and Syurga Cinta.
Idham was also responsible for boosting the careers of young actors like Farid Kamil, Pierre Andre, Awal Ashaari and Ashraf Muslim who were introduced in his films and TV dramas.
Met at the set of his latest movie, Semerah Cinta Stilleto, he shares his thoughts about the current state of the Malaysian film industry:
Q: You seem more relaxed on the set of Semerah Cinta Stilleto.
A: This is a romantic comedy. It is easier to direct because it does not have complicated scenes.
But the challenge is to make it fresh and different from other romantic comedies.
Q: What was your last romantic comedy?
A: Syurga Cinta. It was different because it was a romantic comedy with a religious theme.
That set it apart from your romantic comedies and it became a box-office success.
Q: You're one of the few directors actively directing films. Aren't you tired of it?
A: This is my contribution to the industry because if all of us stop making films, the industry will die.
Q: What is the state of the Malaysian movie industry?
A: Two industry big names, Prime Works Studios (previously Grand Brilliance) and Tayangan Unggul, have not produced any movies this year.
Luckily Metrowealth Movies Productions is still active, producing films almost every month.
The industry needs at least 20 films a year to fill in the slots for Malaysian films.
What is the point of having the slots but there are no films to be screened.
Q: What is the secret of your success?
A: The audience. We have to make a movie for the audience because they are the ones who will go to the cinemas.
There is no point of doing a film that no one wants to watch.
Q: How do you make such a film?
A: You have to target the Malay audience because you are making a Malay movie, that is your core audience.
But if you can get the non-Malays to watch it, that is a plus.
Q: Many are wondering why you are not making "artistic" movies.
A: All of my movies have their own artistic value. It is how one sees it.
But to make a true blue "art movie", you need to get the audience to trust your work. That's what I am doing now.
Q: After horror films, what kind of movies are going to hit Malaysian screens next?
A: Religion themed movies. They are big in Indonesia after the success of Ayat-Ayat Cinta.
I tried that in Syurga Cinta and the producer and I were quite surprised with the response. Syurga Cinta is one of the most successful local romantic comedies.
Q: What kind of movies do you want to make next?
A: Movies for the mature audience. Most of the current movies are aimed at families and teenagers.
I want to make films like You've Got Mail and The Pursuit of Happyness that feature actors above 30 in the leading roles.
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| Ahmad Idham |
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