Puberty is monstrous in this rebellious Cannes-winning film from Malaysia
TIGER STRIPES
GRAND PRIZE – SEMAINE DE LA CRITIQUE CANNES 2023
Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Qatar – 95 minutes – Drama / Fantasy
Director: Amanda Nell Eu
Production: Ghost Grrrl Pictures
Zaffan is rebellious, energetic, and the daredevil of her friend group. She can’t wait to grow up, but her bravado fades when puberty kicks in. She discovers increasingly strange things about her changing body and does everything to keep it a secret. However, her efforts are in vain, as no one at school or at home wants anything to do with the new Zaffan. Increasingly ostracized, Zaffan transforms into a monster and learns that she is truly strong only when she dares to accept her new form. Nell Eu’s fondness for Asian fantasy plays a significant role in the debut feature film Tiger Stripes.