AMANDA Nell Eu’s debut feature film, Tiger Stripes, will be screened in Golden Screen Cinemas on October 19 after its triumphant run in the international film festival circuit.
The only Malaysian film to play at the Cannes Film Festival this year, Tiger Stripes has gained recognition in other festivals as well, winning the prestigious H.R. Giger 'Narcissa' Award for best feature film at the Neuchartel International Fantastic Film Festival, and a Special Jury Mention at Fantasia International Film Festival.
Tiger Stripes has also been selected as a the Malaysian film entry for the 96th Academy of Motion Picture and Arts awards, also known as the Oscars, in March 2024.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the movie, which has had rave reviews from critics, has been chosen by the selection committee at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) following guidelines set down by the Oscars administrators.
Tiger Stripes is supported by the ministry via MyCreative and Finas for its production. The film will be shown in the United Kingdom and North America, and will also be released in Taiwan next month as well as in Singapore and South Korea later this year.
Director Eu, when contacted, said to The Vibes: “I’m very happy and proud to have Tiger Stripes represent Malaysia as the Oscar entry. It was a long journey to make this film but I can’t be more thankful for all the people involved. We couldn’t be here without the whole village of support we have received.”
This coming-of-age horror film will have its UK premiere at British Film Institute London Film Festival as part of the First Feature Competition. Eu will be attending the sold-out screenings next week.
Tiger Stripes follows a 12-year-old girl Zaffan who struggles with puberty, discovering that her body morphs in a terrifying way.
As she is further provoked by her own community, she soon learns that embracing her true self is the only answer to her freedom.
The film stars three new talents – Zafreen Zairizal, Deena Ezral, and Piqa, alongside veteran local actors Shaheizy Sam, Jun Lojong and Fatimah Abu Bakar.
The Vibes podcast, The Artizens, had an exclusive interview with Eu that gave some elucidation to readers and listeners alike to understand the story behind the movie. – The Vibes, October 6, 2023
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