Written and directed by Malaysian filmmaker Chui Mui Tan, Miu Miu's latest Women's Tales short film made its screening debut in Shanghai, on 12 March 2024. Apart from the official presentation, the Italian Maison also hosted a series of conversation circles. With director Chui Mui Tan and multi-disciplinary panelists Sdanny Lee, Jo Kukathas, Mao Jian, Dan Bao and others leading the discussion, two intricate themes of femininity were explored—notably, Our Bodies: A Tapestry of Luminous Mysteries and Goddesses, Women, and Femininity - Reshaping Female Narrative.
Dressed head-to-toe in Miu Miu, the cast's eclectic outfits were a sartorial representation of the characters they played. The versatile pieces comprised elevated leisurewear like bright-coloured sports bras and satin bermudas to statement pieces like collegiate-inspired blazers and knit tops. Drawing parallels between fashion and cinematography, the short film was an amalgamation of vibrant styling and intimate storytelling.
Related article: Miu Miu Announces a New Director for its Women’s Tales Film Series
More on the Film
Titled I am the beauty of your beauty, I am the fear of your fear, Tan explores the multi-faceted concept of self-defence from the perspective of a modern woman plagued by both internal and external struggles. A tumultuous story that weaves the themes of friendship and womanhood, the protagonist uncovers a vastly different side to herself and reconciles with her past struggles.
Above, the main character Gita played by Sdanny Lee, leaves her hometown in China in wake of a tragedy. Upon arriving in Malaysia, she soon joins a martial arts camp and finds herself surrounded by a supportive sisterhood. Spurred by her inner fire, Gita undergoes intense training to learn how to fight; weaponising her pain to eventually take on opponents much larger than her.
Leading up to one of Gita's major epiphanies, she learns about the ancient myth of Kali—the goddess of time, destruction, death and change. Elaborating on this symbolic moment, director Tan sums it up in one meaningful sentence 'Through wrestling with what we fear the most, we find our inner strength, and we find our own beauty.'