Shu Qi‘s highly anticipated directorial debut “Girl” has released its first footage, offering a glimpse into the intimate Taiwanese drama that will compete at the upcoming 82nd Venice Film Festival.
The film, which marks the acclaimed actor’s transition behind the camera, tells the story of Hsiao-lee, a withdrawn girl growing up in 1980s Taiwan whose world transforms when she encounters the vibrant Li-li. Set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s economic transformation in 1988, the drama explores themes of inherited trauma and the cyclical nature of family pain.
“Girl” stars Roy Chiu as Chiang, R&B singer-songwriter 9m88 as Chuan, and rising talent Bai Xiao-Ying as the protagonist Hsiao-lee. The cast also includes Audrey Lin as Li Li-li and Lai Yu-Fei as Sister.
Principal photography wrapped in late summer 2024, with the film reaching completion in June this year. Veteran producer Yeh Jufeng, whose credits include “A Sun” and “The Great Buddha+,” produced the project through Mandarin Vision Co., Ltd.
In her director’s statement, Shu Qi emphasized the film’s exploration of generational trauma: “This is a story that opens up a conversation about the powerful impact of one’s family of origin, for better or worse.” She noted that the characters “may reflect the frightening realities and shadows that many modern women faced in childhood – traumas that make reconciliation with family or even with oneself impossible.”
The film features cinematography by Yu Jing-pin, production design by Huang Mei-ching, and music by Lim Giong. William Chang Suk-ping served as supervising editor, with Lai Kwun-Tung as editor.
Shu Qi, a two-time Golden Horse Award winner and three-time Hong Kong Film Award recipient, collaborated with Hou Hsiao-hsien on “Millennium Mambo,” “Three Times,” and “The Assassin.” She was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2024 and most recently starred in Bi Gan’s “Resurrection,” which won the special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Girl” will have its world premiere in competition at Venice, with world sales handled by Mandarin Vision for Asia excluding Mainland China, and Goodfellas for territories outside Asia.
Watch the clip here: