BREAKING: Shu Qi has officially made her directorial debut with the film ‘Girl’, which premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival on September 8, 2023. This deeply personal drama is set in Taiwan in 1988 and follows the journey of a withdrawn girl named Hsiao-lee, who discovers hope through friendship with the spirited Li-li amid echoes of family trauma.
The film features a talented cast, including Roy Chiu, jazz singer 9m88, and newcomer Bai Xiao-Ying. Shu Qi, a renowned figure in Asian cinema, spent over a decade developing the script, which was influenced by her own childhood experiences. This film not only marks her directorial debut but also showcases her resilience in confronting past traumas.
In an exclusive interview, Shu Qi revealed, “Those dark days have almost become invisible scars.” Her work draws from personal history, aiming to connect with audiences on a profound emotional level. The film explores the complexities of family dynamics and the lingering impact of generational trauma.
The project began when renowned director Hou Hsiao-hsien encouraged her to direct back in 2013. “He said, ‘How would you know if you don’t try?’”, Shu Qi recalled. This advice sparked a decade-long journey of writing, rewriting, and self-discovery. Her final push came this year while serving on the Venice jury, where she completed the script in a Milan hotel after intense reflection.
Set against a backdrop of economic optimism and social shadows, ‘Girl’ paints a vivid picture of a childhood marked by struggle and resilience. “I just wanted to interpret my film in the simplest, most honest way,” she stated. The film’s emotional core revolves around the bond between mothers and daughters, a theme that resonates universally.
Shu Qi faced unique challenges during production, including managing tight filming schedules across various locations in Taiwan. “The biggest challenge is that I don’t have enough time!” she admitted, highlighting the logistical hurdles of bringing her vision to life.
The film’s poignant depictions of domestic abuse were crafted with care, ensuring a respectful and truthful representation of the subject matter. “I used the simplest and most direct way to depict the scenes,” she explained, allowing viewers to feel the tension and fear experienced by the characters without sensationalizing their pain.
As audiences and critics gather in Venice to experience ‘Girl’, the film is also set to have a Centrepiece slot at the Toronto International Film Festival, paving the way for broader discussions about its themes. The urgency of this film is underscored by its potential to spark conversations around family trauma and healing, especially in a world grappling with similar issues today.
Shu Qi’s future plans remain open-ended. “I just want to finish the busy work on hand as soon as possible and then relax and do nothing for a month,” she said, hinting at a moment of personal reflection after this significant milestone in her career.
As her film garners attention on international stages, viewers can expect a powerful narrative that resonates deeply, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of familial love and pain. ‘Girl’ is not just a film; it’s a call to acknowledge and heal from the scars of the past.
Stay tuned for more updates as Shu Qi’s ‘Girl’ continues to unfold its story on the global stage.
