Malaysian film ‘Tiger Stripes’ wins Grand Jury Prize at Cannes’ Critics’ Week
Tiger Stripes revolves around a 12 year old girl who experiences pressure and drastic changes when she reaches puberty.
The accolade recognises the works of emerging directors
Tiger Stripes tells the story of Zaffan, a preteen who struggles with puberty and discovers a chilling secret about her body.
KUALA LUMPUR: The film Tiger Stripes made history by becoming the first film directed by a Malaysian to win a major award at the Cannes Film Festival Critics Week.
Director Amanda Nell Eu took home EURO10,000 in cash equivalent to almost RM50,000 for the award in the 62nd edition of the festival.
Published by Ghost Grrrl Pictures, a production company co-founded by Amanda, Tiger Stripes revolves around a 12-year-old girl who experiences the pressure and drastic changes of puberty.
The debut film by Amanda showcases some new actors like Zafreen Zairizal and Deena Ezral, as well as veterans like Fatimah Abu Bakar and Shaheizy Sam.
The Malaysian-language film is also nominated for the best first film category award, but has yet to be announced.
Citing a report from the Screen Daily portal, Cannes Festival Critics’ Week Jury President Audrey Diwan said, the film does not seem like it is trying too hard to satisfy public taste, but instead firmly raises its own voice.
“Irreverent and uncompromising, Tiger Stripes does not try to please, it is content to fully assume its seductive singularity.
“It was the first film of the selection that we saw. It has passed the test of time,” kata Audrey Diwan.
Only three films directed by local children have ever been selected for the Cannes Festival, namely Kaki Bakar directed by U-Wei Saari (1995), Karaoke by Chris Chong Chan Fui (2009) and The Tiger Factory by Woo Ming Jin (2010).
