Malaysian Film 'Tiger Stripes' Makes History at the Cannes Film Festival

BY: Michelle Liew

Tiger Stripes made history as the first Malaysian film to win the top prize at Criticism Week at the Cannes Film Festival.

Director Amanda Nell Eu also took home a cash prize of EURO10,000 (approximately RM50,000) for the awards in the 62nd edition of the festival.

Published by the Ghost Grrrl Pictures publishing company, which was co-founded by Amanda, Tiger Stripes revolves around a 12-year-old girl who experiences drastic pressures and changes when she reaches the age of puberty.

The debut film by Amanda showcased several new actors such as Zafreen Zairizal and Deena Ezral, as well as veterans such as Fatimah Abu Bakar and Shaheizy Sam.

This Malay-language film has also been nominated for the award for the best first film category.

President of the Cannes Festival Criticism Sunday Jury Audrey Diwan said that the film does not appear to be trying too hard to satisfy the general taste, on the contrary it 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," said Audrey Diwan.

Only three films directed by local directors 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).