134 malaysia tatler. august 2019
A
s Datin Dian previouslymentioned,
M for Malaysiawasanaccidental
documentary. “Despitethesupport
Tun M rallied duringtheelections,
we were cautiously optimisticaboutwinning.
At best, we thought the footagecouldbe
utilised for Pakatan Harapan’scampaigninthe
2023 general elections, ifwelost,”sheadmits.
After the elections, the teamporedoverthe
footage and it ignited anemotionalresponse
as they relived the historicalmoment.They
all unanimously agreed thatthesefeelings
should be preserved foreverviafilm.
At this point, a friend ofDatinDian
connected her to Ruby Yang,afilmmaker
and producer based in HongKong,toserve
as a consultant for the project.Rubywonan
Academy Award for BestDocumentaryShort
Subject for The Blood ofYingzhouDistrict
(2006). The fi lm documentstheplightof
young orphans in Anhui copingwiththe
stigma of AIDS. Ruby hadalsoreceivedother
awards including an Emmy,theDuPont-
Columbia Journalism Award,FilmAidAsia’s
Humanitarian Award, theGlobalHealth
Council Media Award andtwoIDAPare
Lorentz Award nominations.
“When I fi rst saw the rawfootage,
I realised it had all the ingredientsofa
good story: a Shakespearean-likeheroin
Tun Mahathir, people powerandahappy
ending. Plus, I have alwayslovedmentoring
young people. Ineza and Dianimpressedme
with their professionalism,curiosityand
open-mindedness,” says Ruby.As a Hong Kong-American, she is saddened
by the state of politics in both the countries
she calls home. “Today, people are polarised
in their opinions and views. They don’t put
aside their feelings to rationally do what’s best
for society; there is little space for mediation.
As I delved into M for Malaysia, I was amazed
when I saw all of these political enemies come
together to work for the country,” she shares.
Ruby’s favourite character in the story
is Tun Siti Hasmah, Tun Mahathir’s wife.
“She brings out a side of him that humanises
him. It’s easy to love her,” says Ruby.
It was Ruby who suggested that Dian and
Ineza create a local and international cut.
She was convinced the fi lm has potential for
an international audience despite being a
Malaysia-centric production. “Uplifting fi lms
like these have a universal attraction, even
non-Malaysians can relate to the timeless tale
of democracy and people power,” she said.
Her instinct was proven correct when the
fi lm premiered in San Francisco in May and
New Zealand in June. The feature’s message
resonated deeply, especially with those
frustrated with the political climate of the
world. But the ones who truly engaged with
the fi lm were Malaysians abroad who have
left the country for greener pastures.
Ruby wasn’t surprised about this.
“Expats are always longing for home.
There’s a pull you cannot explain. As a
Hong Kong-American, I can relate.
M for Malaysia sparks a positive feeling
whether you are Malaysian or not.”Ruby Yang
CREATIVE PRODUCER