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Shu Qi’s Directorial Debut ‘Girl’ Premieres in Venice to Praise for Performances and Pacing Critiques

The competition title rooted in the star’s childhood is courting U.S. distribution.

Overview

  • The feature, titled Nühai (Girl), premiered in the Venice Film Festival’s main competition on September 4.
  • Set in late‑1980s Taipei, the film follows a schoolgirl in a low‑income family and explores domestic violence, alcoholism, and intergenerational trauma without revealing plot turns.
  • Shu Qi says the story draws on her upbringing with an alcoholic father and she spent about a decade writing the script, completing it after serving on Venice’s 2023 jury.
  • Early reviews commend the visual design and acting—highlighting Bai Xiao‑Ying, Roy Chiu and 9m88—while noting issues with length, pacing and occasional heavy‑handedness.
  • The film is seeking U.S. release, with sales efforts underway following its Venice bow.