D’Ayu Pictures’ policy on actors is clear: the production company refuses to work with problematic actors involved in moral issues. This firm stance is taken to safeguard the success and integrity of their films.

Dato’ Rosmarayu

Owner Datuk Rosmarayu Mokhtar explained that film production carries high risks as it needs to be sold to audiences, unlike TV dramas which are aired for free. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a good reputation to ensure the company’s longevity and profitability.

“If we make a drama to sell to TV stations, they will pay for it. But for films, I’m afraid the audience won’t come. So, how can we hire problematic actors for acting?

“This is an important issue and needs to be looked at in-depth. If netizens boycott my film after I’ve spent a lot of money making it, I will incur losses.

“I will evaluate the controversy aspect first before considering talent. I’m afraid the film will fail and my company will eventually shut down,”

she said during an interview at her Open House event at Country Heights, Kajang, Selangor, recently.

Dato Ayu together with the orphans

She mentioned that she would refer to the Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) and industry veterans like Datuk Yusof Haslam, whom she considers her mentor, before hiring actors for her productions. This collaboration ensures that she makes well-informed decisions that uphold the standards of the industry.

In related developments, D’Ayu Pictures, which was previously a film distributor, is now actively producing its own films. This shift marks a significant step in the company’s evolution and its commitment to creating high-quality content.

“We have produced films such as Perjalanan Pertama (a Malaysia-Indonesia collaboration), Daddyku Gangster, Harum Malam (co-produced with Apparat and Skop), Waruga, Kutukan Ilmu Hitam, Anak Medan, and Sajen Satu Suro (two Indonesian films currently in the editing process in collaboration with production companies there).

“I have opened a production company in Indonesia called D’Ayu International Company (DIC). Although our films can’t enter their market, I am looking for partners in Indonesia and have opened an office there. This expansion aims to bridge the gap between the two markets and foster international collaborations.

“We are in the pre-production stage of a horror film titled Bayi Terakhir, which will feature both Malaysian and Indonesian actors. There are two Malaysian actors I am currently approaching.

“We can’t announce too early because they might ‘demand’ higher fees. The director, who is from Indonesia, has also been identified. Filming is expected to start in August,”

she said. This project exemplifies the company’s commitment to producing diverse and engaging content.

Rosmarayu is currently in France to participate in the Cannes Film Festival. Her presence at this prestigious event underscores her dedication to promoting Malaysian films on the global stage.

“I intend to take our films abroad. I have brought 38 local films to be showcased there,”

she said, highlighting her ambition to expand the reach of Malaysian cinema.

Meanwhile, the Open House event organized by Rosmarayu, which took place from 12:30 PM to 6 PM, was attended by over 600 industry figures. This event served as a platform for networking and celebrating the community’s achievements.

Dato’ Rosmarayu with her husband Tuan Petra Battle

“It’s been five years since I last held such an event. As this house has just been completed, I decided to combine a housewarming party with the Open House.

“I also took the opportunity to give donations to 30 veteran artists who are receiving fewer acting offers. I felt sorry hearing their plight.

“I asked the President of Seniman, Zed Zaidi, to gather some names to provide assistance. If I had drama productions, I would have hired them long ago.

“Among them are Nor Azifah, Emma Akma, Datin Fadilah Mansor, Hamidah Wahab, Zuraini Kassim, Rahim Kidol, Rozie Othman, Shaharudin Tambi, Fazli Zainal, Rashidah Jaafar, Chef Yang Jamil, and many more,”

she said. This gesture reflects her commitment to supporting the veteran actors who have contributed significantly to the industry.

The sensational artist Bella Astillah was also invited to perform songs to entertain the guests, adding a touch of glamour to the event.

Bella Astillah sang a Raya song at Dato’ Ayu’s house

Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman)
Datuk Yusof Haslam
Festival Filem Cannes
Apparat
Skop Productions