Tiger Stripes: Malaysia’s censors have ‘removed the essence’ of my film, says director

Zaffan (played by Zafreen Zairizal, centre) finds herself isolated when she becomes the first of her friends (played by Piqa and Deena Ezral) to hit puberty. Photograph: PR

It should be a moment of celebration for Malaysian cinema. Amanda Nell Eu’s Tiger Stripes became the country’s first film to win the prize for best feature at Cannes’ critics week this year, was selected as the country’s official entry to the next Academy Awards and praised by ministers.

But, if you’re in Malaysia, you won’t be able to watch the real version.