2023 winner: Tiger Stripes
From the jury report:
‘The winner of the Imagine Sea Devil Competition 2023 has been chosen unanimously. We were moved by this extraordinary and in every way fantastic coming-of-age body horror gem. Set in a small, colourful village, we embark on a journey with the infectious free spirit Zaffan, brilliantly brought to life by newcomer Zafreen Zairizal. She refuses to be dictated by the strict religious norms in her community, even when this causes her to face radical consequences. We, the jury, have nothing but praise for the way that this film treats its subject matter in all seriousness, while simultaneously embracing its comedic elements and its low-budget character with pride. The immense charm, the powerful script, the surprising music, and significant societal relevance make this brave film debut an unforgettable experience. The winner of the Imagine Sea Devil Competition 2023 is Tiger Stripes by Amanda Nell Eu!’