M'sian Filmmaker Amanda Nell Eu Gets Invited To Showcase Her Film At Cannes Film Festival
"I hope that it empowers young girls and boys everywhere," the filmmaker shared.
By Parvinsivam Thirunamakarasu — 18 Apr 2023, 12:07 PM
Director Amanda Nell Eu has made history as the first Malaysian woman director to be invited to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
Her Malay-language horror film, Tiger Stripes, will be showcased at this year's Cannes Film Festival and has been selected for the Cannes International Critics' Week.
The film tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who can't make sense of what is happening with her body as she goes through puberty.
According to The Star, the film features newcomers Zafreen Zairizal, Deena Ezral, and Piqa, as well as veteran actors Shaheizy Sam and Fatimah Abu Bakar.
This is Eu's first feature-length film, having previously directed two short films — Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu (2017) and Vinegar Baths (2018).
At the time of writing, there is no official date for when the movie will be available in local cinemas.
The film is also competing for the Camera d'Or prize, which is an award for the best first feature film presented at one of the Cannes' selections
The 37-year-old director told The Star that she is honoured for the film to be launched in Semaine de la Critique (Critic's Week), and it's a dream come true for her after spending many years making the film.
The London Film School graduate said that she started working on Tiger Stripes in 2018, but was only able to shoot it last year after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
"I hope that the audience will get see bit of Malaysia, our culture, and our bright colours! It's a story that is very close to my heart and I hope that it empowers young girls and boys everywhere," she added.
This marks the first time since 2010 that a Malaysian film has been featured at Cannes
According to The Vibes, there have only been three other Malaysian films chosen for Cannes previously — Kaki Bakar (1995) by U-Wei Haji Shaari, Karaoke (2009) by Chris Chong, and The Tiger Factory (2010) by Woo Ming Jin.
