Shih-Ching Tsou’s Left-Handed Girl Explores Identity and Trauma

Shih-Ching Tsou is making waves in the film industry with her debut feature, Left-Handed Girl, which premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The film explores themes of childhood trauma and cultural identity through the lens of a young girl, I-Jing, who struggles with her left-handedness, a trait viewed negatively in her Taiwanese upbringing.

The story draws from Tsou’s own experiences. As a teenager in Taipei, she faced disapproval for using her left hand. “My grandfather told me the left hand is the devil’s hand,” Tsou recalls. This comment, alongside her teacher’s early attempts to “correct” her left-handedness, left a lasting impression. Tsou’s mother shared a similar experience, revealing that she too was forced to conform to societal norms.

In Left-Handed Girl, the narrative follows five-year-old I-Jing, portrayed by Nina Ye, as she navigates her family’s struggles. Her mother, Shu-Fen, played by Janel Tsai, runs a noodle stall while dealing with financial challenges, and her sister, I-Ann (Shih-Yuan Ma), faces the repercussions of a troubled relationship. I-Jing’s journey takes a darker turn as she begins to shoplift, inadvertently giving her left hand a life of its own.

Tsou discovered Nina through a casting director friend. “She was six and already very experienced,” Tsou noted during a video call from the Zurich Film Festival. Interestingly, Nina also faced correction for being left-handed, prompting Tsou to retrain her for the film. “When I heard, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this still exists,’” Tsou remarked.

The film is shot entirely on iPhones, capturing a raw narrative that delves into family secrets and the resilience of women in a society that often values sons over daughters. Tsou shared a poignant memory of returning to Taiwan for the annual Qingming Festival, where traditional customs highlighted her family’s focus on her brother, further emphasizing the gender biases that persist.

Having moved to New York at a young age for her master’s studies, Tsou broke away from the strictures of her upbringing. She described her relationship with her father as contentious, leading to her leaving home at age 14. “I was rebellious. I would talk back,” she explained. This journey of self-discovery influenced her creative work.

Tsou’s partnership with acclaimed director Sean Baker began during her time at the New School. They bonded over their shared passion for film, particularly the Dogme 95 movement and Korean cinema. Together, they produced the 2004 film Take Out, which focused on the life of an undocumented immigrant. Tsou continued to work with Baker on subsequent projects, including the notable films Tangerine and The Florida Project.

After completing the script for Left-Handed Girl in 2010, Tsou faced challenges securing funding, leading her to focus on her producing work with Baker. Balancing her career and motherhood, she expressed the importance of spending time with her daughter, aware that this closeness may change as her child grows.

Since its debut, Left-Handed Girl has resonated with audiences on the festival circuit and has been selected as Taiwan’s submission for the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. Tsou has received numerous messages from left-handed individuals sharing their own stories of correction, highlighting the film’s relevance.

Returning to Taiwan this summer, Tsou learned that Nina’s grandmother had changed her perspective on left-handedness. “She said, ‘OK, I don’t want to correct you anymore,’” Tsou reported. This evolution in thought reflects a broader societal shift that Tsou hopes to inspire through her film.

In a world where outdated traditions can linger, Tsou aims for Left-Handed Girl to challenge viewers to reconsider these customs. “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?”

The film will be released in the UK on November 14, 2023, and will be available on Netflix starting November 28, 2023. Through her work, Tsou continues to shine a light on the importance of embracing individual identity and the stories that shape us.