25-5-2023 (Kuala Lumpur) The Malaysian horror film “Tiger Stripes” has achieved a groundbreaking feat by winning the Grand Prize at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, a prestigious parallel event to the main film festival in France that highlights the debut or second feature films by emerging directors.
Director Amanda Nell Eu, who helmed “Tiger Stripes,” also received a cash prize of €10,000 (S$14,500) for her remarkable achievement. The movie stars Zafreen Zairizal, Deena Ezral, and Shaheizy Sam, and revolves around the story of 12-year-old Zaffan, who experiences the onset of puberty only to uncover a horrifying secret about her own body.
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Jury president Audrey Diwan commended the film, praising its irreverent and uncompromising nature. Diwan described “Tiger Stripes” as a work that confidently embraces its unique allure, noting that it was the first film they viewed during the selection process and has stood the test of time.
The film has garnered widespread acclaim from multiple critics, with Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian hailing it for its tremendous performances and exceptional cinematography.
In response to her historic win, 37-year-old Amanda Nell Eu expressed her joy with a brief celebratory post on Instagram. Malaysians flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages, recognizing Eu as the first female Malaysian director and the fourth Malaysian director overall to have a film featured at the esteemed French film festival.
