Imagine a world where your very hand is deemed 'evil.' This is the reality that Shih-Ching Tsou, the Taiwanese-American filmmaker, explores in her new film, Left-Handed Girl. The film delves into the lasting impact of childhood experiences, particularly those rooted in cultural traditions and societal expectations.
Tsou's journey began with a simple act: using her left hand to cook. But this seemingly innocuous action triggered a memory from her youth. Her grandfather, echoing a deep-seated belief, told her the left hand was the 'devil's hand.' This instilled a sense of shame and prompted her to reflect on her own experiences. Even her mother was forced to use her right hand. This conversation, and the feeling of being 'corrected,' stayed with her.
Decades later, Tsou transformed this personal anecdote into a compelling narrative for her film. Left-Handed Girl tells the story of I-Jing, a sweet Taiwanese five-year-old grappling with the idea that her left hand is somehow 'sinful.' The film also portrays the struggles of I-Jing's mother, Shu-Fen, a noodle stall owner facing financial hardship, and her rebellious older sister, I-Ann, dealing with the fallout from an affair. I-Jing's left hand takes on a life of its own as she begins to shoplift.
Tsou found the perfect young actress, Nina, through a casting director friend. Nina, who had been acting in commercials since the age of three, was already experienced. But here's where it gets controversial: Nina, too, had been 'corrected' to use her right hand by her grandmother. Tsou had to 'retrain' her to use her left hand for the film, a stark reminder that these practices still exist. The film was shot entirely on iPhones, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of family secrets, resilience, and the challenges faced by Asian women in a society that often favors sons over daughters.
Tsou's personal experiences also inform the film. She recounts a visit to Taiwan for the Qingming festival, where she felt overlooked by her mother, who focused solely on her brother. This experience highlighted the traditional expectations placed upon her as a woman. Growing up in Taipei and later moving to New York, Tsou found freedom from the 'limitations' of Taiwanese society. She recalls how she avoided wearing short sleeves because of societal pressure.
It was at the New School that she met Sean Baker, the director of Anora, with whom she formed a creative bond. Together, they shared a love for Dogme 95 films and Korean cinema. This connection led to their first film, Take Out, a gritty look at the life of an illegal Chinese immigrant. Tsou has since worked on several of Baker's films as a producer, costume designer, and even making cameos. She co-wrote Left-Handed Girl with Baker, who also edited and co-produced the film. The script was finished in 2010, but securing funding proved challenging.
Left-Handed Girl has been a success on the festival circuit since its premiere at Cannes. It has also been selected as Taiwan’s submission for best international feature film at the Oscars. Tsou has heard from many left-handed people who have shared their own stories of being 'corrected.' Returning to Taiwan, she learned that Nina's grandmother had changed her mind, allowing her to embrace her left-handedness.
Tsou's goal is to challenge outdated traditions and encourage viewers to question societal norms. She hopes the film will spark conversations about fairness and the need for change. Left-Handed Girl is a gentle yet powerful plea for a more inclusive world. What are your thoughts on traditions that may have a negative impact on individuals? Do you think it is important to question these traditions?
