UPDATE: Acclaimed actress Shu Qi has officially made her directorial debut with the film ‘Girl’, which premiered in competition at the 82nd Venice Film Festival earlier today. Following its Venice debut, the film is set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival next week, marking a significant milestone in Qi’s nearly three-decade career.
Set against the backdrop of 1988 Taiwan, ‘Girl’ is a deeply personal narrative that follows Hsiao-lee, a reclusive girl who discovers hope and friendship through her spirited companion, Li-li. The film features performances by Roy Chiu, jazz singer 9m88, and newcomer Bai Xiao-Ying, delivering a poignant exploration of childhood trauma and familial relationships.
In a recent exclusive interview, Shu Qi revealed that the inspiration for ‘Girl’ dates back over a decade, ignited by a conversation with renowned director Hou Hsiao-hsien. His encouragement in 2013 pushed her to pursue directing, although it took years of intense screenwriting and revisions before she completed the script during her stay in Milan after serving on the Venice jury in 2023.
“I realized if I didn’t start working on my film, maybe it would not be happening anymore,” Qi noted, reflecting on her transformative experience at the festival. The urgency she felt during her jury service propelled her to finalize the script, which she had worked on for more than ten years.
The film’s emotional core is shaped by Qi’s own childhood experiences, as she grapples with the echoes of family trauma and the complexities of maternal relationships. “Those dark days have almost become invisible scars,” she shared, emphasizing the universal nature of her story that resonates across generations.
‘Girl’ tackles challenging themes, including domestic abuse, in a way that is both truthful and respectful. Qi explained her approach to depicting these realities, ensuring the emotional depth was conveyed without causing harm to the actors involved.
As one of Asia’s most recognized screen performers, transitioning to directing presented its own challenges. “The biggest adjustment was time management,” Qi admitted, noting the logistical difficulties in shooting scenes across various locations in Taiwan.
Looking ahead, Shu Qi expressed her hopes for ‘Girl’ to resonate with audiences, particularly parents, encouraging them to reflect on their relationships with their children. She stated, “I hope this film can save and relieve people in dire straits.”
As the film garners attention on the international stage, the coming days will be critical for Qi as she balances the dual roles of actress and director. With her next projects still unplanned, she is eager to see how ‘Girl’ is received and is ready to take a well-deserved break after a whirlwind of activity.
Stay tuned for more updates on Shu Qi’s groundbreaking journey as a director and the reception of ‘Girl’ at the Toronto International Film Festival. This is a story of resilience, reflection, and the transformative power of storytelling that audiences won’t want to miss.
