Get ready for a captivating tale that will leave you wanting more! The arrival of a small circus in rural England sparks an inspiring journey for a young woman in Calif Chong's feature film, 'High Wire'. This captivating story premiered at the 69th BFI London Film Festival, leaving audiences eager for more.
'High Wire' delves into the life of Go-Wing, a young woman whose future seems predetermined by her daily routine of working at her father's Chinese takeaway and studying. Beneath this sense of duty lies a deep loneliness and an unfulfilled life. But here's where it gets interesting: the arrival of an acrobatic circus brings a twist of fate. With a touch of accidental blackmail, Go-Wing seizes the opportunity to join the circus, finding a sense of community, artistic freedom, and a future on her own terms.
The film stars Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, and is a production of Silent D Pictures in association with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions. The stunning cinematography is by Matthew P. Scott, offering a visual treat.
For Calif Chong, this film marks a significant milestone as her feature directorial debut, having primarily worked as an editor. Chong, Wei, and Scott shared their insights with the press at a LFF afternoon tea event, shedding light on the creative process.
Chong's inspiration for the film stems from her own experiences working in a restaurant in Manchester's Chinatown. She shares, "I felt weird, chasing a dream, or rather, building a career. I hate the word 'dream' - I'm here to make a living, not just dream."
Isabella Wei, who landed the lead role after submitting a self-tape audition, recalls, "It was exciting and the role was beautiful." Wei's unique background, being ethnically Hong Kong and spending time in the UK, added a layer of authenticity to the story.
But casting for a circus performer role wasn't easy. Chong faced challenges finding the right fit, requiring bilingual abilities and physical skills like dancing and rollerblading. When Wei's tape arrived, Chong felt relieved, knowing she had found her star.
For Matthew P. Scott, the hardest scene to shoot was the final high wire act, due to the complex visual effects required. Wei, on the other hand, found the most challenging scenes to be those set in the takeaway, where she had to portray a deep connection with her on-screen father in a confined space.
'High Wire' is a must-watch, offering a unique perspective on immigration, dreams, and the power of community. And this is the part most people miss: the film's subtle commentary on the pursuit of dreams versus the reality of building a career.
What do you think? Is 'High Wire' a captivating tale of self-discovery, or does it fall short of its ambitious premise? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
