‘Tiger Stripes’ Directed By Amanda Nell Eu Puts M’sian Film Industry Back On The Map At Cannes 2023

By Lara Kramer  •  18 Apr 2023 in News

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Get ready to hear the roar of the Malaysian film industry as Tiger Stripes, the debut feature film from Ghost Grrrl Pictures, directed by Amanda Nell Eu and produced by Foo Fei Ling, is set to make history as the first Malaysian film to be selected for Cannes Critics’ Week since 2010.

This is a huge achievement for the country’s growing film industry, as only three other Malaysian films have been chosen for Cannes in the past.

Tiger Stripes is a Malay-language horror film that will be in competition for the prestigious Caméra d’Or prize. It follows the story of a 12-year-old girl named Zaffan, who discovers her body is morphing in a terrifying way as she struggles with puberty.

Facing pressure from her own community, Zaffan must learn to embrace her true self in order to find her freedom. The film features three new talents, Zafreen Zairizal, Deena Ezral, and Piqa, alongside veteran local actors.

This eight-country co-production has received funding from various organisations such as the Creative Industry Recovery Grant (PENJANA) from the Ministry of Communications and Digital for its production in Malaysia, and the support of the Southeast Asia Co-production Grant of Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority. The film is set to showcase Amanda Nell Eu’s talent as a rising female filmmaker in Malaysia.

The 62nd edition of Cannes Critics’ Week, focused on first and second-time works, will take place from May 17 to 25 this year. The festival has discovered some of the most talented directors in the world, including Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo Del Toro, and Wong Kar Wai.

The selection of Tiger Stripes marks a significant milestone for the Malaysian film industry, as well as being the first time a Malaysian female filmmaker has been invited to Cannes. Malaysian audiences can look forward to seeing Tiger Stripes on the big screen in the near future, as the film makes its way home from Cannes.

We extend our most profound congratulations to Amanda Nell Eu, and commemorate her achievement of bringing a female perspective to the Malaysian film industry at this year’s Cannes.