In Deena’s case, it’s all about finding the right people to work alongside, saying “I will continue to find more films like this. “I have basic martial arts training, so if the opportunity arises, I will definitely seize it.” she affirms. Sometimes we would be really busy for an entire day taking pictures, participating in interviews and photo calls, we don’t feel tired because this is our first time at Cannes and we really enjoy being here.”Īs for what lies on the road ahead for the dynamic trio, Zafreen hopes to take after Perak-born Academy Award winner Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh. Her sentiments are echoed by Piqa, who said “I’m really happy and I enjoy it a lot. Even now, while being in France, I still can’t believe I’m really here.” “When I found out I was going to France for the Cannes Festival and all, it was really overwhelming as I couldn’t believe it. On the other hand, first-time actress Deena, who struck it out with her role as Farah in the film, still finds it difficult to come to terms with the reality that she now inhabits. I hope I can continue to venture further in this field and do better.” Naturally, she credits her achievements to her parents and friends, especially for their continued encouragement and support during filming. Where the cast is concerned, leading lady Zafreen was understandably thrilled beyond measure by the success that Tiger Stripes has enjoyed among filmgoers and pundits. “We really valued collaboration and it was also great to have the chance to work with crew and technicians from different parts of the world.” Young talents trailblazing before 20 Image credit: GHOST GRRRL PICTURES Tiger Stripes really benefited from this and we learned so much from our international partners.” Amanda notes. “ I hope that more Malaysian productions can have the opportunity to work and collaborate with international co-productions. Of course, the movie’s success on the international circuit is also credited to a network of international co-production partners hailing from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, France, Germany, Netherlands, and even Qatar. With Tiger Stripes being the fourth-ever Malaysian film to grace the Cannes stage, it cannot be overstated the sheer magnitude of what its presence on the festival lineup represents for a new generation of creatives back home. “ I think as women, still, in many parts of the world, we feel shame or insecurity over parts of ourselves, and it’s about letting that go – taking back the right to have power over ourselves.” she said.

But where Malaysia is concerned, there’s still plenty of catching up to do, with Amanda pointing to local student activist Ain Husniza’s #makeschoolsasaferplace movement as a salient example.īut ultimately, Amanda wants women to be able to not only embrace, but to have power and autonomy over their own bodies.

Given that fact, she stresses the importance in fostering safe spaces where such dialogues can be had openly between both children and adults. “ There are many complex layers to how a young child grows up, when it comes to their relationships with school, friends and family, and that isn’t just focused on puberty.” she explains. It’s easy to see that Tiger Stripes doesn’t aim to tip-toe around the often tumultuous transition of adolescence into womanhood, with Amanda’s approach to unraveling each overlapping fine line. “ It’s also been 13 years since a Malaysian film has been represented here, so it’s great to have that representation now in Cannes.”, she adds.

A story of adolescence, womanhood, and change Image credit: GHOST GRRRL PICTURESĪmanda, who graduated with a Masters of Arts in Filmmaking from the London Film School, describes the Cannes nod as the ‘perfect launchpad’ for the film’s debut.

Stripes film production company