Tiger Stripes, a Malay-language horror film directed by Malaysian film-maker Amanda Nell Eu, is set to premiere at the International Critics’ Week section of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May. The film is a multinational co-production with funding from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Singapore-based Akanga Film Asia is one of the producers of the film, which received a Southeast Asia Co-Production Grant from the Singapore Film Commission.
Singaporean Talent
Singaporean talent, including sound designer Lim Ting Li and character design and special effects make-up supervisor June Goh, contributed to the making of the film. Tiger Stripes follows the story of Zaffan, a 12-year-old girl who discovers horrifying truths about her physical changes during puberty, played by Malaysian actress Zafreen Zairizal.
The First Female Filmmaker Invited to the Cannes Film Festival
This is the first time a female Malaysian filmmaker has been invited to screen a film at the Cannes Film Festival. Eu, who has a Master’s degree in filmmaking from the London Film School, previously premiered her 2017 short film Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu (It’s Easier To Raise Cattle) in competition at the Venice International Film Festival. Producer Fran Borgia from Akanga Film Asia describes Tiger Stripes as a “deeply personal and sensitive story,” and the company is proud to be part of this international co-production and accompanying the film to its Cannes premiere.
Boo Junfeng and K. Rajagopal
Singaporean film-makers Boo Junfeng and K. Rajagopal were previously invited to the Critics’ Week section of the Cannes Film Festival for their films Sandcastle and A Yellow Bird, respectively. Tiger Stripes is yet another example of the growing film industry in Southeast Asia, with Singapore playing a key role in the region’s co-production efforts.
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