In a celebration of talent and cinematic excellence, Kering and the Festival de Cannes have announced Malaysian director Amanda Nell Eu as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Women In Motion Emerging Talent Award. This accolade, decided upon by Swiss director and 2023 awardee Carmen Jaquier, underscores the burgeoning influence of female directors in the film industry. The award, which includes a €50,000 grant, is designed to support the creation of the recipient’s next film project.
The official presentation of the award is set to take place during the esteemed Women In Motion dinner in Cannes. Here, industry giants including Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of the NBCUniversal Studio Group and Chief Content Officer, will be present to celebrate the achievements of women in film. Both the Women In Motion Emerging Talent Award and the Women In Motion Award will be presented by François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, alongside Iris Knobloch, President of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes.
Amanda Nell Eu, known for her debut feature film “Tiger Stripes”, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award. “I am incredibly honored to receive this award, and want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Carmen Jaquier for recognizing my work. This recognition not only validates my voice and artistic expression but also the hard work of the entire ‘Tiger Stripes’ team,” she remarked.
Carmen Jaquier spoke on her decision to select Eu, praising the “rebellious power and wild energy” of “Tiger Stripes”, which she feels disrupts the ‘coming of age’ genre with a jubilant and unique approach. “Passing this award to Amanda is an honor, emphasizing cinema as a haven for invention and insolence,” Jaquier added.
Since its launch in May 2015 by Kering, in collaboration with the Festival de Cannes, the Women In Motion initiative has become a significant feature of the festival’s program. Aimed at celebrating and encouraging the contribution of women in the film industry, the initiative has recognized numerous inspiring figures and promising talents over the years. To date, the Emerging Talent Award has spotlighted the diverse talents of female directors from around the world, fortifying the path for the next generation of filmmakers.
Amanda Nell Eu’s recognition marks a significant milestone in her career and highlights the contributions of Malaysian cinema on the global stage. As a graduate from the London Film School and an alumna of several international filmmaking academies, Eu’s works have explored themes of female body and identity within the Southeast Asian cultural context. Her achievements, including the notable premiere of “Tiger Stripes” at Cannes and its selection as Malaysia’s official submission for the Academy Awards in 2023, set a precedent for Southeast Asian filmmakers and women in cinema worldwide.
The award’s commitment to advancing the voices and careers of female filmmakers aligns with Kering’s ongoing mission to promote gender equality and celebrate the manifold contributions of women to culture and the arts.
