Now there’s another reason for cinephiles to celebrate: for the first time in over a decade, a Malaysian film has been given the chance to shine at the prestigious 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
“Tiger Stripes”, directed by Amanda Nell Eu, has been selected to play at the Cannes Critics’ Week from May 17-25. It joins the ranks of only three Malaysian films ever to have been afforded the spotlight in the entire history of Cannes.
It is, therefore, no small achievement for the indie director, who also makes history as the first Malaysian female filmmaker invited to Cannes.
In the film, a 12-year-old girl undergoing puberty discovers she is changing in horrifying ways, causing her to fear her own body. This unsettling development is discovered by her peers, who turn against her.
Before Eu departs for France this month, FMT managed to catch her during a break in her busy schedule to learn more about her journey.
The 37-year-old shared that while she studied graphic design after graduating high school, she has always had a passion for filmmaking.
“During my graphic design course, I kept making small films and animations. Even my teachers were like, ‘Why are you here? You’re in the wrong place’!”
She admits she didn’t previously see herself taking on the role of a full-time filmmaker. “It’s not your typical career path, especially when you’re from an Asian family.”
After completing her studies, she enrolled in a British film school and finally accepted that the world of filmmaking was where she felt at home.
“Every time I am behind the camera, I have this adrenaline rush,” she said. “I get very excited. Even my friends can see it. ‘You’re such a different person when you’re working behind the camera’.”
Upon returning to Malaysia, Eu began working on several projects, among which was “It’s Easier To Raise Cattle”, a short film that premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2017 – a promising start for the fledgling director.
On “Tiger Stripes”, she shared: “It’s really a story about this girl’s journey in embracing who she is turning into. She becomes empowered into becoming a young, strong, woman.”
She said the film is aimed at all the “outsiders” who are different in their own ways, as it celebrates differences for what they are.
Eu drew on her own memory of puberty for the film, which portrays the inevitable changes and loss of control over one’s body – through the genre of body horror.
“It’s my way of responding to my own insecurities by embracing my sense of self,” she explained.
Work on “Tiger Stripes” first began in 2018, and the film was ready to be shot in 2020, but the onset of the pandemic meant shooting had to be delayed until early last year.
Even after lockdown restrictions were lifted, she faced another challenge. “I really love old horror films and how special effects and makeup were done in those days,” she said.
Alas, Malaysia’s humidity was not entirely compatible with her love for practical effects and prosthetics, but she and the cast pressed on… and the efforts have clearly paid off.
Eu is excited for what lies ahead and believes more local filmmakers can be featured at Cannes. “I’d love to see more Malaysians have this experience,” she said.
And as for any aspiring filmmakers out there: “Don’t be afraid to make the films you want to make. Be very, very honest with your filmmaking. Know who you are, and don’t try to be anyone else.”