2012 Filmmaker in Residence

SASS has appointed Mr Azharr Rudin as the Film-maker in Residence (FIR) for 2012.  Azharr Rudin is a key figure in what was known as the Malaysian New Wave cinema, often collaborating as an editor even to those outside of the ‘Wave’.

His MAJIDEE (2005), a film with “trust between strangers” as its central theme, won awards at film festivals in Hawaii, Tokyo and Singapore. His “sophisticated experimental sextet” THE AMBER SEXALOGY a "...sometimes whimsical, often lyrical vignettes of longing and love" debuted at the 2006 Singapore International Film Festival. His films have also been featured in film festivals across the globe.

His debut feature film PUNGGOK RINDUKAN BULAN (THIS LONGING) an “introspective film that captures the lives of those living in a run-down low-cost flat slated for demolition in Johor Bahru” premiered at Pusan 2008 and has been described as “uplifting”, “poignant”, “mysterious”, “daring”, “astonishing”, “authentic” and “evocatively captures sense of liminality.” It was also listed as among the best films of World Cinema in 2008/09.

Residency Activities:

Mr. Azharr Rudin has only been with the SASS since May and has been fulfilling his mentoring role in earnest and has assisted the school in planning and executing various extra-curricular activities related to the School’s education strength. They include:

• Film-making Workshops: Mr. Azharr has conducted four workshops for MUSC students (Videomaking, Film Editing, Express Filmmaking, and Noel Short film shoot). The aim of these workshops is to provide basic knowledge to students who are interested in the craft of film making. These complement the film units taught by the School, which focus largely on aesthetical matters.
• “Nasi Bungkus” Cinema (“Packed Lunch” Cinema): This monthly event was deployed for screening the short-films made by Monash Sunway’s students under Mr. Azharr’s guidance. In addition, it is an avenue for upcoming filmmakers to showcase their work and obtain constructive feedback from the attendees.
• The “ORIGINS” Omnibus Film Project: Mr. Azharr has initiated this project to select, develop, and produce three student short-films.  Each of the three student directors will work with a team of students under the supervision and guidance of Mr. Azharr and other industry practitioners. These films, when completed, will be entered to local film competitions.  The application period is closing this week.
• Monash University Alumni Videos: Mr. Azharr is working with Dr Yeoh Seng Guan to interview SASS alumni about their time at MUSC and their professional lives since graduating. Current students have been recruited to assist in key roles for this project.

Fore more information, please see the Monash Filmmaker-in-Residence page on Facebook.