Taiwan is making waves at the 82nd Venice Film Festival with its most significant presence to date, headlined by Shu Qi ‘s directorial debut, “ Girl ,” becoming the first Taiwanese film to compete for the Golden Lion since Tsai Ming-liang’s “Stray Dogs” in 2013.

“Girl,” a coming-of-age tale set in 1980s Keelung, represents Taiwan’s return to Venice’s top tier after more than a decade.

“Not only Taiwanese films but films all over the world face the same challenges in the market,” Shu Qi tells Variety . “So don’t overthink it. If you have the opportunity to make a film, seize it, tell your story and tell it right.”

Taiwan’s Venice footprint extends beyond the main competition. Joe Hsieh and Yonfan’s animated short “Praying Mantis” achieved another first, becoming the inaugural Tai

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