The debut feature from Singaporean writer-director Ang Geck Geck Priscilla is a semi-autobiographical story of a family’s separation, as seen through the eyes of a seven year old girl. Struggling to fully understand the gravity of the situation, and what the future will hold for both herself and her younger sister, Ah Girl lilts gently from moments of drama and sadness to others of playfulness and joyful innocence.

Shot in 4:3 ratio and anchored by an astonishing central performance from first time actress Ong Xuan Jing, Ah Girl announces the debut of an impressively assured new voice in Asian cinema. Since bowing at the International Film Festival Rotterdam last January, where Ang was awarded the Youth Jury Award, the film has received further recognition at a number of events, with child star Ong scooping best actress prizes at both the Hong Kong and Malaysia International Film Festivals. Ah Girl now makes its North American debut at tiff.

Read my full ScreenAnarchy review here