Taiwanese actress Shu Qi recently spoke about her directorial debut, Girl, at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) held on November 26 and 27, 2025. She shared that she felt deeply apologetic after reading a viewer’s comment saying the film “tore their heart apart again.” Shu Qi acknowledged that her story might be emotionally difficult for women who have experienced trauma, but she hopes it helps audiences face and understand their past experiences.
Shu Qi Apologizes Over Trauma in Film Girl
Girl is a coming-of-age film set in the late 1980s, centering on Lin Hsiao-lee, a quiet and introverted girl. Her life begins to change when she meets a lively new friend, Li-li, who encourages her to explore her dreams. However, Hsiao-lee’s aspirations are challenged by her mother’s past, keeping her trapped in a cycle of pain and struggle. Shu Qi explained that the film is not solely about reconciliation or healing, but about understanding how past experiences shape who we are.
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This film marks Shu Qi’s first attempt at both directing and scriptwriting. She shared that the script was inspired by her own challenging childhood, though she did not fully include her personal pain in the story. Shu Qi described her writing process as carefully constructing scenes on her balcony in the morning and reviewing them in the evening, sometimes shedding tears over her work. She emphasized that life must go on despite trauma, and that stepping forward bravely is an important part of growth.
Casting for a Girl was a careful process. Shu Qi chose Taiwanese actors Roy Chiu, Bai Xiao-ying, and Joanne Tang for the main roles. She said Bai Xiao-ying was perfect for Hsiao-lee because of her appearance and expression, which reflected the character’s quiet suffering. Joanne Tang, who played the mother, was selected for her youthful energy and ability to show both freedom and constraint. Shu Qi expressed gratitude that all her casting choices agreed to participate.
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Shu Qi believes Girl represents not only the story of Hsiao-lee, but all women, as every woman carries a girl within her heart. She intentionally left some parts of the story open-ended to allow audiences to reflect on their own experiences. Shu Qi hopes her film encourages viewers to acknowledge their past while appreciating their present and the strength they carry forward.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
