In this episode of Never Seen It, we dive into Left-Handed Girl, the stunning directorial debut from Shih-Ching Tsou. We break down the film’s intimate family story set in Taipei’s vibrant night markets, explore themes of superstition, generational trauma, and cultural tradition, and talk about how the city itself becomes a living, breathing character. We also discuss the film’s striking visual style, its use of iPhone filmmaking, and Shih-Ching Tsou’s long collaboration with Sean Baker, culminating in a debut that feels both deeply personal and quietly powerful.
In this episode, we sit down to discuss Left-Handed Girl, the 2025 film directed by Shih-Ching Tsou, making her long-awaited solo directorial debut after years of collaboration with Sean Baker (Take Out, Tangerine, Anora). The film follows a mother and her two daughters as they relocate to Taipei to open a noodle stand in a bustling night market, hoping for a fresh start—only to find that family secrets, tradition, and unresolved trauma come with them.
We talk about how Left-Handed Girl uses the idea of left-handedness as both a literal and symbolic device, touching on cultural superstition, childhood imagination, and the way shame and fear can be passed down through generations. The character of I-Jing becomes a fascinating lens for how kids internalize adult anxieties, sometimes in playful ways, sometimes in destructive ones.
Visually, we break down how the film was shot largely on an iPhone, and why it never feels like a gimmick. Instead, the vibrant colors, natural lighting, and fluid camera movement make Taipei feel alive. The night markets, streets, and small apartments aren’t just settings—they’re characters. We discuss how limited resources, small crews, and real locations actually enhance the authenticity of the film rather than holding it back.
We also share insights from the San Diego Asian Film Festival, where the film screened and where Shih-Ching Tsou participated in a Q&A, including the revelation that Left-Handed Girl had been in development for nearly two decades. That long gestation shows in the confidence of the storytelling and the emotional precision of the performances—especially from the young lead, who delivers one of the most natural child performances we’ve seen in recent years.
Throughout the episode, we reflect on why films like Left-Handed Girl are so inspiring for independent filmmakers, how Sean Baker’s influence can be felt without overpowering Tsou’s voice, and why this quiet, observational drama lingers long after the credits roll. If you’re interested in Asian cinema, indie filmmaking, or character-driven storytelling, this is one we highly recommend.