Key Points

Taiwan has chosen 'Left-Handed Girl' as its official submission for the Best International Feature Oscar. The film tells the story of three generations of women navigating life while running a night market stall in Taipei. Directed by Tsou Shih-ching and produced by Sean Baker, it already won awards at Cannes Critics' Week. The film will get a theatrical release before streaming globally on Netflix in November.

Key Points: Taiwan Selects Tsou Shih-ching Left-Handed Girl for Oscars

  • Follows a single mother and daughters starting new life in Taipei
  • Explores family bonds through night market stall struggles
  • Premiered in Cannes Critics' Week winning Gan Foundation Award
  • Scheduled for global Netflix release on November 28
2 min read

Taiwan selects 'Left-Handed Girl' as Oscar submission

Taiwan's Oscar entry 'Left-Handed Girl' by Tsou Shih-ching explores three generations of women in Taipei's night markets, produced by Sean Baker.

"distinctive Taiwanese night market setting, which presents themes of coming-of-age conflicts with traditional patriarchal society - Ministry of Culture"

Washington DC, August 28

Taiwan's Ministry of Culture has revealed that 'Left-Handed Girl', directed by Tsou Shih-ching, has been selected as the country's submission for the best international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, reported Variety.

Written by Sean Baker and Tsou, the film is set against the bustling backdrop of Taipei's night markets and portrays a multi-generational story spanning three generations of women. The narrative follows a single mother who relocates to Taipei with her two daughters, establishing a night market stall to make ends meet.

As the family navigates the challenges of an unfamiliar city and a new life, the three women struggle with real-world pressures while finding a sense of belonging and strengthening family bonds through their mutual dependence, as per the outlet.

The cast includes Janel Tsai, Ma Shih-yuan, Nina Ye, Brando Huang, Akio Chen and Chao Xin-yan.

Sean Baker-produced 'Left-Handed Girl' also premiered in competition in the Cannes festival sidebar. It gained international recognition, winning the Gan Foundation Award at the Critics' Week competition section of the Cannes Film Festival. The film was subsequently invited to the Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival, and has been selected for competition at the Busan International Film Festival.

The selection committee chose 'Left-Handed Girl' by majority vote. The ministry cited the film's "distinctive Taiwanese night market setting, which presents themes of coming-of-age conflicts with traditional patriarchal society through the perspective of a left-handed girl, featuring an upbeat rhythm and contemporary aesthetic style," as reported by Variety.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release in multiple French cities starting September 17, followed by a release in Taiwan on October 31. International rollouts are planned for the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. beginning in November, with a global Netflix debut set for November 28.

Production companies include Left-Handed Girl Film Production, LHG Films LTD, Good Chaos and Le Pacte, with Le Pacte handling international sales.

The Oscar International Feature Shortlist will be announced on December 16, and the final five nominees will be announced on January 22, according to Variety.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Interesting choice! While I appreciate the cultural representation, I wish our Indian film industry would also get more international recognition. We have so many powerful stories about women and family dynamics that deserve global platforms.
R
Rohit P
The night market setting sounds amazing! Food and family stories always resonate across cultures. Looking forward to watching this on Netflix in November. Hope it brings home the Oscar! 🎬
S
Sarah B
As someone who lived in Taipei for 2 years, the night markets are truly magical places. This film seems to capture the authentic spirit of Taiwanese culture. The Gan Foundation Award at Cannes is a big deal - definitely worth watching!
V
Vikram M
The theme of navigating patriarchal society through a left-handed girl's perspective sounds unique. Reminds me of how small details can represent bigger societal struggles. Hope it gets the international recognition it deserves!
M
Meera T
Three generations of women supporting each other - what a powerful narrative! This is the kind of content that bridges cultural gaps. Asian cinema is truly shining on global platforms 🌟

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50