Shu Qi’s recent appearance at the Singapore International Film Festival marked a significant moment in her evolving career. As the celebrated actress transitioned to the director’s chair, her debut film, “Girl,” opened the festival, capturing audiences with its heartfelt narrative. The event was not only a celebration of her film’s journey from Venice to Busan but also an opportunity for Shu to explore future projects. In a candid conversation with festival ambassador Rebecca Lim, she reflected on the emotional challenges of directing and shared insights into her potential plans for a trilogy, the director’s cut of “Girl,” and the profound themes that underpin her work.
Exploring New Horizons with “Girl”
Shu Qi conveyed a sense of closure as “Girl” celebrated its premiere at the Singapore International Film Festival. She expressed relief at concluding what she called “the final stop” of a lengthy promotional journey. Reflecting on her directorial debut, which began development more than a decade ago, Shu emphasized the emotional impact of stepping behind the camera. With humor and honesty, she described how this career shift also revealed new personal dimensions.
“I’ve been talking about ‘Girl’ since 2023,” Shu commented with a hint of mock-weariness, expressing her desire to take a well-earned rest. However, the conversation soon turned to her plans for the future, where she teased the possibility of expanding the narrative into a trilogy titled “Girl, Woman, Lady.” This thematic exploration aims to capture different stages of womanhood and could span decades, potentially engaging her into her eighties.
The Vision for a Director’s Cut
The question of releasing a director’s cut has persisted since the film’s screening in Busan. Shu confirmed that she has considered this option, sharing how her original instincts led her to a different conclusion for the story. She recalled her emotional reaction to suggestions at Busan, clarifying that it was not from disagreement but from being moved. Her initial vision ended with a dramatic scene involving the father character, adding layers to the already poignant narrative. “If there’s a chance, I might cut a director’s version,” she revealed.
Crafting an Authentic Era
Discussing the creation of “Girl,” Shu highlighted her meticulous approach to depicting late-1980s Taiwan. Authenticity was key to immersing the audience and the actors, with young lead Bai Xiao-Ying even giving up her mobile phone to embody the era’s spirit. For the role of the mother, played by 9m88, Shu recreated the domestic world in intricate detail, resulting in emotional breakthroughs on set. Watching 9m88 clean a home in character, Shu felt a profound understanding of the challenges faced by housewives.
Addressing Life’s Challenges
Shu candidly addressed the film’s exploration of generational trauma and the cycles of violence affecting three generations of women. This exploration allowed her to better understand her own family dynamics, recognizing that “the mother, too, was once a girl.” Her insight offered a bridge of empathy and understanding across generations.
When it comes to handling public scrutiny, Shu’s philosophy is straightforward: “I ignore them. Life is your own. You make your own choices.” Her defiant positivity resonated with the audience, reinforcing her resilience and determination to carve her unique path.
Shu’s humor and vibrant energy permeated the conversation. From sharing anecdotes about personal reinvention to reflecting on serendipitous locations that tied back to her mentor Hou Hsiao-hsien’s films, her journey is one defined by bold choices and an unyielding drive. With “Girl” now a reality, Shu offered hope through her storytelling, encouraging anyone struggling to persevere: “Even if life is hard now, the good days will slowly come.”
