Shot on iPhones and inspired by real stories

'Left-Handed Girl' paints Taipei night market through young protagonist's eyes

LONDON:

Filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou invites audiences into the bustling heart of a Taipei night market in her family drama 'Left-Handed Girl', drawing on both personal and "collected" experiences. Chosen to represent Taiwan at the 2026 Oscars, the film marks Tsou's solo directorial debut. Tsou, who co-directed 2004's 'Take Out' with Oscar winner Sean Baker, became a frequent collaborator with him over the years. She co-wrote, edited, and produced 'Left-Handed Girl', her first independent feature.

The story, nearly two decades in the making, originates from a childhood memory: Tsou's grandfather scolding her for using her left hand, traditionally considered the devil's hand. She shared the story with Baker while studying at university in New York. They drafted a script in 2010 and scouted locations in Taiwan, but funding proved a challenge.

Over the years, Tsou maintained contact with night market vendors, drawing fresh inspiration after becoming a mother. "I'd always go back to visit them, getting to know their stories and the life in the night market... it's like collecting stories and also maturing this whole idea," she said.

In 'Left-Handed Girl', a single mother and her two daughters return to Taipei to open a noodle stand after living in the countryside. As they settle into new routines, old secrets resurface when the youngest is scolded for using her left hand by her conservative grandfather.

The film was shot entirely on iPhones, the only feasible option in a crowded night market. "I always knew I wanted to shoot in a real night market, but you have to hide everything. If you're using an iPhone, people wouldn't think that's a movie," Tsou explained. The approach also captures the story through the young protagonist's eyes, creating a sense of wonder.

"I wanted to keep the whole family dynamic really strong. You can see how women survive in a male-dominated society," Tsou said. "It's important to show that dynamic and have the audience reflect on their own family." 'Left-Handed Girl' premieres on Netflix on Friday.