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 superstitions can have on an individual's life.
'The Left Hand is the Devil's Hand'
One day, while cooking at home in Taipei, the teenage Tsou 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, 'You should not use that,' echoed a belief deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture - that the left hand is associated with evil.
Tsou's mother shared a similar experience, revealing that she too was left-handed but 'corrected' to use her right hand. This practice, driven by the desire to conform to societal expectations, left a lasting impression on Tsou.
But here's where it gets controversial... Tsou decided to turn this personal trauma into a powerful drama. Her new film, 'Left-Handed Girl,' follows the journey of a young Taiwanese girl, I-Jing, who grapples with the belief that her left hand is sinful. As I-Jing's family faces financial struggles and her older sister deals with the consequences of an affair, I-Jing's left hand becomes a symbol of her internal conflict.
The film's director, Tsou, discovered a kindred spirit in Nina Ye, a young actress who, like I-Jing, had been left-handed but 'corrected' by her grandmother. Tsou had to retrain Nina to use her left hand, a surprising revelation that highlighted the persistence of this tradition.
'Left-Handed Girl' is a raw and empathetic portrayal of family secrets and the resilience of Asian women in a society that often favors sons over daughters. Tsou's own experiences, from the Qingming festival to the 'limitations' of Taiwanese beauty standards, are woven into the fabric of the film.
And this is the part most people miss... Tsou's journey began at The New School, where she met Sean Baker, the Oscar-winning director of 'The Florida Project.' Their shared love for Dogme 95 films and Korean cinema sparked a collaboration that led to Tsou's first film, 'Take Out,' a gritty portrayal of an illegal Chinese immigrant's life. Since then, Tsou has been an integral part of Baker's team, working as a producer, costume designer, and even making cameos.
The script for 'Left-Handed Girl' was a labor of love, co-written with Baker, but funding was a challenge. Tsou's dedication to Baker's projects and her role as a mother took precedence, leaving 'Left-Handed Girl' on the back burner for a while.
But the film's impact has been undeniable. Since its premiere at Cannes, it has been a festival favorite and has been selected as Taiwan's submission for the Oscars' Best International Feature Film category. Tsou has received an outpouring of support from left-handed individuals who shared their own stories of 'correction.'
Tsou's hope for the film is clear: to challenge and ultimately eradicate the absurd superstitions that still hold power. She wants viewers to question outdated traditions and consider how they can be reinvented for a fairer society.
'Left-Handed Girl' is a gentle plea for change, but its message is powerful and enduring.
What are your thoughts on the traditions and beliefs that shape our societies? Do you think it's time to reevaluate some of these practices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
