Unveiling the Stigma: A Filmmaker's Journey to Challenge Superstition
'The devil's hand'—a chilling phrase that haunted Shih-Ching Tsou's childhood, shaping her identity and sparking a cinematic journey.
Imagine a young Shih-Ching, innocently cooking in Taipei, when a simple act of picking up a knife with her left hand triggers a profound revelation. Her grandfather's words, "The left hand is the devil's hand," not only shocked her but also unveiled a hidden trauma. Unbeknownst to her, she had been 'corrected' to use her right hand, erasing her natural left-handedness.
But here's where it gets personal... Tsou's mother, also left-handed, shared a similar fate. In a culture where conformity was paramount, she was forced to change, leaving a lingering sense of shame.
This powerful memory inspired Tsou's film, Left-Handed Girl, a captivating drama about a five-year-old Taiwanese girl, I-Jing, battling her own 'devil's hand.' As I-Jing's family faces financial woes and her sister's scandal, her left hand becomes a symbol of rebellion, leading her to shoplift.
The casting of Nina Ye, a seasoned child actor, added an intriguing twist. Unbeknownst to Tsou, Nina was also naturally left-handed but had been 'corrected' by her grandmother. The crew had to retrain her to use her left hand, a stark reminder that such practices persist.
Shot on iPhones, the film delves into family secrets, resilience, and the unique challenges Asian women face in a society favoring sons. Tsou's own experience in Taiwan, where her mother's focus on her brother during the Qingming festival highlighted traditional gender biases, further emphasizes these struggles.
Tsou's rebellious nature led her to New York for her master's, escaping the limitations of Taiwanese society. She recalls the pressure to have pale skin and how her darker complexion made her self-conscious in summer.
At the New School, she met Sean Baker, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, and their shared love for Dogme 95 films and Korean cinema sparked a collaboration. Together, they created Take Out, a gritty portrayal of an illegal Chinese immigrant's life. Tsou's career flourished, working on films like Tangerine and The Florida Project, often wearing multiple hats on set.
Left-Handed Girl marks Tsou's directorial debut, with a script co-written with Baker. Despite its completion in 2010, funding challenges delayed its release. Tsou's dedication to Baker's films and her role as a busy mom contributed to the wait.
The film's success at festivals and its selection as Taiwan's Oscar submission have been significant. Tsou's encounters with left-handed individuals who shared similar 'corrections' further emphasize the impact. A heartwarming moment came when Nina's mother revealed that her grandmother had changed her mind, allowing Nina to reclaim her left hand.
Left-Handed Girl is more than a film; it's a catalyst for change. Tsou invites viewers to question outdated traditions and create fairer ones. And this is the part most people miss—it's a subtle yet powerful plea for a more inclusive society, leaving audiences with a lasting impression.
But is it enough to challenge deep-rooted superstitions? How do we balance tradition and progress? Share your thoughts below!
