Washington DC, Aug. 30 -- Actor Shu Qi has stepped behind the camera for 'Girl', her directorial debut that world premieres in competition at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, followed by a Centrepiece slot at the Toronto International Film Festival, reported Variety.

Set in Taiwan in 1988, the deeply personal drama follows Hsiao-lee, a withdrawn girl who finds hope through friendship with the spirited Li-li, even as her mother's past echoes her own pain. The film stars Roy Chiu, jazz singer 9m88 and newcomer Bai Xiao-Ying.

It all began over a decade ago when director Hou Hsiao-hsien asked Qi to try direction. Qi finally completed the script in a Milan hotel after serving on the Venice jury in 2023.

Shu first gained recognition in Viva Er...