The Malaysian authorities have issued an ultimatum to director Amanda Nell Eu regarding her film “Tiger Stripes,” stating that it would only be submitted for the 2024 Academy Awards if certain scenes deemed inappropriate were removed for local audiences.
“Tiger Stripes,” which tells the story of a rebellious girl experiencing her first period, gained recognition after winning the grand prize at the 2023 Cannes Critics’ Week. To qualify for the Oscars, the film required a theatrical run in Malaysia of at least seven days. Eu reluctantly agreed to the cuts but publicly criticized the domestic version of her film.
In a recent interview, Eu emphasized that her film represents a young girl’s struggle for self-expression, arguing that the mandated cuts compromised its essence. “That joy, that beauty of the film, was gone,” she stated while discussing the matter in Kuala Lumpur.
This situation highlights a contradiction within Malaysia's film industry, where the government praises local films that achieve international acclaim, yet many celebrated works are either not screened domestically or face significant censorship.
Films in Malaysia, both domestic and foreign, are subject to review by the Film Censorship Board, which often requires extensive edits, particularly for content related to sensitive issues such as race, religion, and sexuality. Recent changes to the board's regulations have extended these restrictions to films shown at embassies and festivals.
Neither the Film Censorship Board nor the Film Development Corporation, which oversees the film industry, responded to inquiries regarding these issues. Both organizations operate under the government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who faces pressure from conservative political factions.
Malaysia's population is predominantly ethnic Malay and Muslim, with significant non-Muslim Chinese and Indian minorities. Film expert Khoo Gaik Cheng noted that increasing censorship is partly driven by political efforts to associate Islam with ethnic Malay identity.
The risks associated with filmmaking in Malaysia are evident. The director and producer of the indie film “Mentega Terbang” faced blasphemy charges last year, which could result in imprisonment if they are convicted.
This climate of censorship has led some filmmakers, including Eu, to seek funding and exposure abroad, while local audiences often do not expect to see provocative films in theaters. A recent discussion among moviegoers in Kuala Lumpur revealed a trend of watching Malaysian films on platforms like YouTube and Netflix instead of in cinemas.
Some filmmakers remain unfazed by censorship. Veteran director Amir Muhammad views it as an “occupational hazard” and a creative challenge, noting that censorship can sometimes spark greater curiosity among audiences.
Despite heavy cuts, certain films have found success in Malaysia. “Snow in Midsummer,” which addresses racial riots in the 1960s, became popular even after being released with multiple edits. Conversely, the upcoming submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, “Abang Adik,” was released uncut, despite its sensitive themes.
Director Raihan Halim stated that the edits made to his rom-com “La Luna” did not compromise the film's integrity, while other films, such as “Tiger Stripes,” were screened without their original endings.
Private screenings of “Maryam Pagi Ke Malam,” which was featured at international festivals, were reportedly halted due to censorship concerns. The director of this film did not respond to requests for comment.
The filmmakers behind “Mentega Terbang” are awaiting a ruling on their blasphemy charges, with a decision expected from Malaysia’s High Court in February. Their film, produced on a minimal budget, gained interest after being screened at festivals and later made available on a streaming platform.
The filmmakers have faced not only legal threats but also personal attacks, including death threats and vandalism. Despite pressure from some industry peers to apologize, they maintain their stance, asserting that their film was not intended to insult Islam and expressing pride in their work.