KUALA LUMPUR: Local horror film Tiger Stripes has been officially selected as the Malaysian contender for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Award (Oscars) in March next year.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that the selection of the film was decided upon by the Film Selection Committee (JKPF) of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas).
The committee comprises seasoned and professional local film industry players who assess films and ensure compliance with the regulations set by the Oscars' organisers.
"May this serve as a motivation for all film industry players to continue supporting the government's mission to strengthen the country's film industry on a global scale.
"At the same time, I hope this effort will enhance the branding potential and internationalisation of high-quality Malaysian film products and creative talent," he said in a statement yesterday.
Tiger Stripes is produced by G Grrrl Pictures Sdn Bhd and directed by Amanda Nell Eu. It stars Zafreen Zairizal, Piqa, Deena Ezral, Jun Lojong, Fatimah Abu Bakar and Shaheizy Sam.
In May, the film won the Grand Prix Award at the 62nd Semaine de la Critique during the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France.
In July, it received a Special Jury Mention in the First Feature Film category at the 27th Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada.