Taiwanese Film “Left-Handed Girl” Takes Best Film at Rome Festival

In a significant achievement for Taiwanese cinema, the film Left-Handed Girl directed by Tsou Shih-ching and co-written by Oscar-winning director Sean Baker, won the Best Film award at the Rome Film Festival on October 14, 2023. This accolade marks a notable recognition of the film’s artistic merit and storytelling approach.

A Personal Journey Captured on Screen

Filmed entirely on an iPhone, Left-Handed Girl tells the story of a young girl who relocates from the countryside to Taipei with her mother and sister. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of the left-handed protagonist, illustrating how each family member navigates their new environment while grappling with complex family dynamics. The film was showcased in the festival’s Progressive Cinema Competition, reflecting its innovative storytelling and production methods.

The jury for the festival, chaired by Italian comedian and actress Paola Cortellesi and featuring notable figures such as US author Brian Selznick and British director William Oldroyd, awarded the film this prestigious honor. The film’s Italian title, La mia famiglia a Taipei (“My Family in Taipei”), highlights its cross-cultural appeal.

Acceptance Speeches and Future Prospects

During the award ceremony, Nina Ye, the film’s lead actress, expressed her gratitude in a pre-recorded message, stating, “I am so happy and honored that Left-Handed Girl can receive the Best Picture in the Rome Film Festival. I hope you guys can love this movie as much as I do.” Tsou also shared her appreciation, remarking, “I am deeply honored that our film has received the first prize at the Rome Film Festival. This film began as a very personal story and took over 20 years to bring to the screen.”

She emphasized the significance of the film’s reception in Rome, a city renowned for its celebration of cinema and humanity. Tsou acknowledged the contributions of her cast, crew, and international production partners, which played a crucial role in the film’s realization.

Left-Handed Girl premiered at the Critics’ Week section of the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2023, where it received the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution. With its upcoming nominations at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards and selection as Taiwan’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards scheduled for March 2024, the film’s journey continues to garner international attention.

As Tsou and Baker continue to collaborate, this film stands as a testament to their long-standing partnership that began with the independent film Take Out in 2004. The success of Left-Handed Girl not only highlights the talents within Taiwanese cinema but also underscores the growing influence of international collaborations in film production.