Taiwanese Drama 'Left-Handed Girl' Wins Cannes Award, Heads to Oscars

In a significant achievement for Taiwanese cinema, the film 'Left-Handed Girl', directed by Tsou Shih-ching, has been selected as Taiwan's submission for the best international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture last month.

'Left-Handed Girl' is a poignant family drama that unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Taipei's night markets. The film, co-written by Sean Baker and Tsou, follows the story of a single mother who relocates to the city with her two daughters, setting up a night market stall to make ends meet. As the family navigates the challenges of their new life, the three women struggle with real-world pressures while finding a sense of belonging and strengthening their familial bonds.

The film has already gained international recognition, winning the prestigious Gan Foundation Award at the Critics' Week competition section of the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. It has also been selected for competition at the Busan International Film Festival and has been invited to the Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival.

With its distinctive Taiwanese setting, contemporary aesthetic, and themes of coming-of-age conflicts within a traditional patriarchal society, 'Left-Handed Girl' is poised to captivate audiences worldwide. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in multiple French cities starting next month, followed by a release in Taiwan on October 31. International rollouts in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. are planned for November, with a global Netflix debut set for November 28.