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.
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 new life, the three women struggle with real-world pressures while finding belonging and family bonds through their mutual dependence.
The cast includes Janel Tsai, Ma Shih-yuan, Nina Ye, Brando Huang, Akio Chen and Chao Xin-yan.
The selection was made by Taiwan’s Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development under the Ministry of Culture, which conducted the screening process on behalf of the Republic of China Motion Picture & Drama Association. Eleven Taiwanese films were submitted for consideration this year.
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.”
“Left-Handed Girl” has already 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 film is scheduled for theatrical release in multiple French cities starting Sept. 17, followed by a Taiwan release on Oct. 31. International rollouts are planned for the U.S., Canada, and U.K. beginning in November, with a global Netflix debut set for Nov. 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 Dec. 16 and the final five nominees will be announced on Jan. 22.
