“Can Women Direct?” Rosnani Jamil Answered That In 1987

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) — Veteran actress Datuk Rosnani Jamil regards her involvement as one of the earliest female directors in the Malay film industry during the 1980s as a historic achievement that paved the way for more women to work behind the scenes.

Rosnani, whose real name is Rosnani Ludin, 90, said that filmmaking at the time was still a male-dominated field, which motivated her to prove that women too were capable of producing high-quality films.

However, with the support and encouragement of her late husband Datuk Jamil Sulong, as well as her family and children, Rosnani—affectionately known as Mak Nani—resolved to move forward and face the challenges of an industry long regarded as a ‘man’s domain.’

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“There’s no longer any question about whether women can be directors. I believe we’ve earned our place in the history of Malay cinema because there are now many talented female directors. I’m grateful to see our successors — and I’m proud of you all,” she said during the Veteran National Film Icons Appreciation Session held under the programme Tribute: Recognition of National Veteran Filmmakers, in conjunction with the 34th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM34) recently.

picThe event, organised by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), also featured renowned actor and director Datuk Rahim Razali, with Ahmad Fedtri Yahya serving as moderator.

Rosnani said the emergence of many female directors today reflects a positive change in the local film industry, which has become more open to recognising talent and ability regardless of  gender.

Sharing further, she said her journey as a director was far from easy, marked by more hardships than triumphs.

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“When I first became a director, many actors were  afraid to work under me. Even after Mawar Merah (my first film) became a hit, some still couldn’t believe that I was the one who directed it. They thought it was my husband’s work. That was painful, but I pressed on to prove my ability,” said the scriptwriter and producer.

Released in 1987, Mawar Merah became one of the highest-grossing Malay films of its time, earning RM371,000 at the box office. It also won her the Best Screenplay and Story awards, while the late Mustaffa Noor bagged Best Actor and Raja Ema received the Most Promising Star Award at FFM7.

In addition to Mawar Merah, Mak Nani directed several other films, including Antara Dua Hati, Pak Tam Duda, Memori, Amelia, Bicara Hati, and her final work Mawar Putih in 2016 before retiring from the entertainment scene.

Rosnani’s artistic career began as a waitress and joget dancer at the Happy World club, where her talent was discovered by legendary director Tan Sri L. Krishnan, who offered her a role in the film Lupa Daratan.

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She went on to star in dozens of films, including Sederah, Miskin, Ayer Mata, Gelora Hidup, Lela Manja, Hang Jebat, Lubalang Daik, Anakku Sazali, Nasib Si Labu Labi, Anak Buluh Betong, Sumpahan Mahsuri, Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam 2, and Kerja Kahwin.

Having spent over six decades in the entertainment industry, the recipient of the Best Actress Award at FFM5 said she is content with all she has achieved throughout her illustrious career.

“I’ve experienced it all — acting, scriptwriting, producing, and directing. I’ve achieved every dream I had. If I were to leave this world tomorrow, I could close my eyes peacefully,” she said.

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As a seasoned artiste, Mak Nani advised the younger generation of actors to embody their roles with discipline and depth, rather than merely appearing as the hero or heroine on screen — qualities she believes are essential to building a lasting career.

She added that some young actors today tend to take their roles lightly, focusing only on leading parts without truly understanding the background or inner life of their characters.

“If you’re playing a village girl, your mannerisms, attire, and speech must reflect that, even if you’re from the city. That’s how your acting comes alive. Filmmaking is a team effort — you need the hero, the supporting cast, the director, and a strong story. Only then will the work leave a lasting impact on the audience,” she said.

— BERNAMA