CinemaBravo

Amanda Nell Eu’s Malaysian Malay-language body horror film, “Tiger Stripes,” emerged as the standout at the QCinema International Film Festival 2023, claiming the prestigious Asian Next Wave Best Picture and Best Director Award.

Recognized for its unique blend of horror and profound social commentary, addressing contemporary women’s issues, the film also received acclaim for its exceptional production values and powerful performances.

Director Amanda Nell Eu expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you so much to QCinema and the jury. It is so meaningful to share the film with a South East Asian audience, and we are truly honored to receive these awards. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

Here are the winners in the Asian Next Wave competition, featuring eight debut films from across Asia.

• Best Film: “Tiger Stripes” by Amanda Nell Eu
• NETPAC Jury Prize: “Mimang” by Kim Tae-yang
• Best Director: Amanda Nell Eu for “Tiger Stripes”
• Best Screenplay: “Gitling” by Jopy Arnaldo
• Best Artistic Achievement: Dinh Duy Hung for “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell”
• Best Lead Performance: Kang Ren Wu in “Abang Adik”

QCinema also recognized outstanding short films:

QCShorts

• Best Picture: “Animal Lovers” by Aedrian Araojo
• Special Jury Prize: “Tumatawa, Umiiyak” by Che Tagyamon
• Gender Sensitivity Award: “A Catholic School Girl” by Myra Angeline Soriaso

QCSEA (QCinema’s new competition section for Southeast Asian Shorts):

• Best Picture: “Hito” by Stephen Lopez
• Shorts Jury Prize: “MOP” by Joon Goh

Additionally, the QCinema Critics Lab acknowledged emerging critics, with the Critics Prize awarded to “I Look into the Mirror and Repeat to Myself” by Giselle Lin.

In a tribute, QCinema Critics Lab bestowed the Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc Award for Film Criticism to Lé Baltar and honored the life and work of QCinema Foundation Member Teddy Co.