Imagine a world where your natural inclination is seen as a sign of the devil. This is the reality that Shih-Ching Tsou, a Taiwanese-American filmmaker, had to navigate as a child. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that societal norms and traditions can have on an individual's sense of self.
One day, while cooking at home in Taipei, Tsou, then a teenager, picked up a knife with her left hand. Little did she know, this simple action would spark a conversation that would stay with her for years to come. Her grandfather's words, 'The left hand is the devil's hand. You should not use that,' left a lasting impression. Up until that moment, Tsou hadn't even realized she was left-handed; she had been 'corrected' in kindergarten by her teacher.
This childhood trauma didn't end there. Tsou's mother, Shu-Fen, revealed that she too had been forced to use her right hand, despite being left-handed. 'At the time, they said you had to do the same as other people,' she explained. This revelation sparked a deep connection between mother and daughter, as they both understood the weight of this societal expectation.
Decades later, Tsou decided to turn this traumatic experience into a powerful narrative. Her new film, Left-Handed Girl, follows the story of a young Taiwanese girl, I-Jing, who grapples with the belief that her left hand is sinful. I-Jing's mother, Shu-Fen, a noodle stall owner, faces financial struggles, while her rebellious older sister, I-Ann, deals with the consequences of an affair. I-Jing's left hand becomes a symbol of her inner turmoil, as she starts to shoplift, her hand seemingly taking on a life of its own.
Tsou's journey in creating this film is an inspiring one. She discovered Nina Ye, a talented young actress who had also been left-handed but corrected by her grandmother. 'We had to retrain her to use her left hand,' Tsou explained. This personal connection added an extra layer of authenticity to the film.
Left-Handed Girl is a raw and empathetic portrayal of family secrets, resilience, and the challenges faced by Asian women in a society that favors sons over daughters. Tsou's own experiences, such as the annual Qingming festival where her mother only spoke about her brother, highlight the traditional thinking that often excludes daughters.
Growing up in Taipei, Tsou moved to New York to pursue a master's degree. She left her parents' home at 14, a rebellious move that allowed her to embrace her independence. 'I was very rebellious. I would talk back,' she recalls. Emigrating to the US later in life, Tsou found freedom from the 'limitations' of Taiwanese society, where pale skin was considered a beauty standard.
It was at the New School that Tsou met Sean Baker, the Oscar-winning Anora director. Their shared love for Dogme 95 films and Korean cinema brought them together. Tsou's experience of being left-handed in Taiwan became the inspiration for her first film, Take Out, a gritty portrayal of an illegal Chinese immigrant's life.
Since then, Tsou has collaborated extensively with Baker, working as a producer on films like Tangerine and The Florida Project. She also took on other roles, from costume designer to cameo actress. Left-Handed Girl, her first solo feature as a director, was co-written with Baker, who also edited and co-produced the film.
Despite finishing the script in 2010, Tsou and Baker faced funding challenges. Tsou's dedication to Baker's projects and her role as a busy mother kept her from actively pursuing the film. However, Left-Handed Girl has since become a festival favorite, even being selected as Taiwan's submission for the best international feature film at the Oscars.
The impact of the film extends beyond the screen. Tsou has received countless messages from left-handed individuals who shared their own stories of correction. During a recent trip to Taiwan, Tsou met with Nina's mother, who revealed that the actor's grandmother had a change of heart, allowing Nina to use her left hand freely.
Tsou's hope for the film is clear: to challenge and ultimately eradicate the absurd superstitions that still persist. 'I want people to watch the film and question outdated traditions,' she says. 'Is there any tradition we should reinvent to create a fairer world for everyone?' Left-Handed Girl is a gentle yet powerful plea for change, one that lingers long after the credits roll.
