The Malaysian film Tiger Stripes was featured during this year’s Ottawa International Film Festival.
Tiger Stripes at IFFO. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
Directed by Amanda Nell Eu, Tiger Stripes is a “coming-of-rage” story that showcases the gritty reality of the troubles faced by teenage women. The story focuses on Zaffan (played by Zafreen Zairizal), a 12-year-old Malaysian girl whose world gets turned upside down when she starts menstruating. In a girls-only school, Zaffan is the first one to menstruate and experiences the stigma of it. Throughout the movie, Zaffan’s life becomes harder and harder, with her body constantly changing and her friends becoming more distant.
The movie is a striking social commentary on teenage women and how they are harshly criticised through the patriarchal lens. Even though there is minimal male presence throughout the film, the expectations of patriarchy lie heavily on Zaffan. She is treated as a hysterical child who is acting out, even by her own female peers and adults.
The audience gets a very harsh look into Zaffan’s struggle and the eventual rage that comes from how the world treats her. The movie especially succeeds in this department. It does not portray a glamorized version of female puberty with a sugar-coated ending. It is very raw and emotional—just like how puberty tends to feel at times—and tugs at the audience’s heart.
For anyone who enjoys dramatic movies that go out of their way to properly make a social commentary, Tiger Stripes is a must-watch. Sadly, it is not streaming anywhere right now, but keep your eyes out for it.
The Ottawa International Film Festival continues at the Ottawa Art Gallery until March 23. You can check out our preview of the event here.
.gif)
