Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oscar Buzz for 'Left-Handed Girl': A Tale of Superstition
Oscar Buzz for 'Left-Handed Girl': A Tale of Superstition
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Film explores universal superstition about left-handedness.
- Shot on iPhones in Taipei's vibrant night markets.
- Oscar winner Sean Baker co-wrote and edited the film.
"Left-Handed Girl," the directorial debut of Shih-Ching Tsou, is making waves with its Oscar shortlist selection. Shot on specially-fitted iPhones in the vibrant night markets of Taipei, the film centers on a mother and her two daughters navigating life in the Taiwanese capital. The narrative draws inspiration from Tsou's own childhood experiences with the superstition that left-handedness is "the devil's hand."
The film's unique production involved a small crew disguised as shoppers to blend into the bustling night market environment. Sean Baker, an Oscar-winning editor and frequent collaborator of Tsou's, served as co-writer and editor. Baker's involvement with "Left-Handed Girl" occurred concurrently with his Oscar-winning work on "Anora."
"Left-Handed Girl" has resonated globally, with many viewers sharing similar experiences of being corrected for using their left hand. Tsou's casting approach, inspired by her work with non-professional actors, utilized Instagram to find fresh faces, including Shih-Yuan Ma, who plays the older daughter. The film's selection as Taiwan's submission for International Feature is a significant honor.
