The Taiwanese film “Left-Handed Girl (左撇子女孩)” won the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution at Cannes Critics’ Week on May 21. This accolade comes with a prize of €20,000 and guarantees a nationwide theatrical release in France, marking a significant milestone for the film and its creators.
Directed by U.S.-based Taiwanese director Tsou Shih-ching (鄒時擎) and produced by Sean Baker, winner of 2024 Palme d’Or and 2025 Academy Awards Best Director, “Left-Handed Girl” stood out for Tsou’s extensive filmmaking experience and her nuanced female perspective, presenting a distinctive narrative rich in cultural depth.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Taipei night market, the film follows a single mother and her two daughters as they relocate to the city to make a living as a street vendor. The film not only showcases the rich culture of Taiwan’s night markets, but also explores themes of family relationship and gender identity. Its heartfelt and moving portrayal resonated with both the international jury and audiences.
The Gan Foundation for Cinema, a subsidiary of Groupama Group—France’s largest insurance provider—is a key partner of Cannes International Critics’ Week.
Upon hearing the news, Minister of Culture Li Yuan extended his heartfelt congratulations to the production team, emphasizing the growing presence of Taiwanese cinema on the global stage. He praised the creativity and professionalism of Taiwanese filmmakers, whose work continues to impress juries at major international film festivals.
