Malaysia – Talentime, a film directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad, is set to debut in Japan this March, 8 years after its release in Malaysian cinemas. Talentime will open at Japanese cinemas around Tokyo and Osaka beginning 25th March 2017.

Produced by Chilli Pepper Films and Grand Brilliance, Talentime premiered in local theatres on 26th March 2009 and was Yasmin Ahmad’s last feature film prior to her death on 25th July of the same year. This screening in Japan marks the first time that Grand Brilliance’s film has been shown in international cinemas other than Singapore and Brunei, in addition to screenings at film festivals.

Dato’ Ahmad Izham Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Primeworks Studios shared, “We are extremely proud to have this gem of a movie screened in Japan. The world was a better place when the late Yasmin imagined and made her movies. Her influence on Malaysian cinema is still being felt after all these years. My fondest memory of her was seeing her speak on stage at a seminar called Fearless. She spoke without any script. These words from her have guided me in my own work until today: ‘If you do something that touches your own heart, then you are able to touch someone else’s heart.’ “.

Also expressing her gratitude, Yasmin Ahmad’s sister, Datin Orked Ahmad said, “I feel very proud and honoured that Yasmin is still being remembered and loved for her work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Japanese people as well as Primeworks Studios for granting the funds for her and her team to make this movie. And thank you for keeping her legacy alive.”

Talentime revolves around a high school talent search competition that brings together two hearts – that of Melur, a Malay-mixed girl and an Indian male student, Mahesh. Melur, with her melodious voice, singing whilst playing the piano is one of the seven finalists of the Talentime competition organized by Cikgu Adibah. Likewise Hafiz, enthralling with his singing talent while playing the guitar, divides his time between school and mother, who is hospitalized for brain tumour. During training sessions, they face many challenges and faced with questions about belief, racism, love and life. Yasmin Ahmad described Talentime as “a story full of joy and pain, hope and despair, a host of beautifully-written songs, and rich, rich characters”.