Imagine being told that a part of you, a natural inclination, is inherently evil. That's precisely what happened to Shih-Ching Tsou, and it fueled an extraordinary journey of filmmaking. Her new film, 'Left-Handed Girl,' isn't just a story; it's a deeply personal exploration of trauma, tradition, and the fight for self-acceptance.
Tsou's experience began in her teenage years in Taipei when she instinctively reached for a knife with her left hand while cooking. Her grandfather's immediate reaction was visceral: "My grandfather told me the left hand is the devil’s hand. He said: ‘You should not use that.’” This wasn't an isolated incident. Growing up, Tsou hadn't even realized she was left-handed because, as she recalls, she was "already 'corrected', probably in kindergarten, by the teacher.” This forced conformity, this subtle yet profound shaming, left an indelible mark.
Speaking with her mother, Tsou discovered a shared experience. Her mother revealed she, too, was left-handed and had been forced to use her right hand. The reason? Conformity. "...because at the time, they said you had to do the same as other people.” This highlights a cultural pressure to suppress individuality in favor of uniformity, a pressure that Tsou would later challenge through her art.
Decades later, that seemingly insignificant moment in the kitchen became the emotional core of 'Left-Handed Girl.' The film centers on I-Jing (played by Nina Ye), a sweet five-year-old in Taiwan who believes her left hand is cursed. Her mother, Shu-Fen (Janel Tsai), runs a noodle stall and struggles with financial burdens. I-Jing’s older sister, I-Ann (Shih-Yuan Ma), grapples with the consequences of an affair with her married boss, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamic. In a poignant turn, I-Jing begins to shoplift, her left hand seemingly acting on its own accord, embodying the internalized shame and the perceived 'sinfulness' projected onto it. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about being left-handed; it's about the psychological impact of cultural judgment on a child's developing sense of self.
The casting of Nina Ye was serendipitous. Tsou found her through a casting director friend. Nina had started in commercials at three years old. Tsou noted, “When I cast her, she was six, so she was really experienced. She knows exactly what to do in front of the camera.” But here's where it gets controversial... Tsou discovered that Nina, like herself, was naturally left-handed but had been 'corrected' by her grandmother. “We had to retrain her to use her left hand. When I heard, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this still exists.’” The fact that this practice continues today raises questions about how deeply ingrained these prejudices remain.
Shot entirely on iPhones, 'Left-Handed Girl' achieves a raw and intimate feel, drawing the viewer into the characters' lives. It's a story of family secrets, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by Asian women in a society that often favors sons. Tsou shares a personal anecdote illustrating this bias: during a visit to Taiwan for the Qingming festival, her mother focused solely on her brother, viewing Tsou as no longer part of the family because she was married. “My mother was talking only about my brother, because she thinks I’m already married off, so I’m not part of the family any more. That’s very traditional thinking.” This highlights the societal expectations placed upon women in traditional Taiwanese culture, expectations that Tsou actively challenges.
Tsou's own journey led her from Taipei to New York, seeking freedom from what she perceived as the “limitations” of Taiwanese society. She moved out of her parents' home at 14, after clashing with her “very strict” father, revealing a rebellious spirit that fueled her artistic expression. “I was very rebellious. I would talk back.” She also felt constrained by beauty standards that favored pale skin, a stark contrast to her own darker complexion. “I have darker skin,” she says, gesturing to her arm. “But they expect girls to have pale skin to be considered pretty.”
At the New School, she met Sean Baker, the Oscar-winning director of 'Anora,' who became a crucial collaborator. Their shared love of Dogme 95 films and Korean cinema formed a strong bond. Tsou shared her experience of being left-handed in Taiwan with Baker. “That was actually the very first idea I wanted to make into a film.”
Tsou co-directed, co-wrote, and co-produced her first film with Baker, 2004’s 'Take Out,' a stark portrayal of an illegal Chinese immigrant's life. She has since worked on many of Baker's films, including 'Tangerine' and 'The Florida Project,' as a producer, costume designer, and even making cameo appearances. Baker co-wrote and edited the script for 'Left-Handed Girl,' marking Tsou's solo directorial debut.
Despite finishing the script in 2010, funding proved elusive. Tsou's involvement in Baker's projects was fulfilling, and she also prioritized motherhood. She stated, “I want to spend as much time as I can with my daughter, because once she turns [into a] teenager, she will probably never talk to me again.”
'Left-Handed Girl' has garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit, premiering at Cannes and being selected as Taiwan's submission for best international feature film at the Oscars. Tsou has been deeply moved by the countless left-handed individuals who have shared their own stories of being 'corrected.' During a visit to Taiwan, she learned that Nina's grandmother had a change of heart, allowing Nina to embrace her left-handedness once again. “She said: ‘OK, I don’t want to correct you any more.’ So Nina got her left hand back.”
Tsou hopes her film will challenge outdated superstitions and inspire reflection. “I want people to watch the film and think: is there any outdated tradition I should reinvent to create a new one that’s fair to everybody?” 'Left-Handed Girl' is a subtle yet powerful call for change that resonates long after the credits roll.
What outdated traditions do you think need reinventing in today's world? Do you believe cultural expectations can be harmful, even if well-intentioned? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
