The arrival of a circus in rural England becomes a transformative event in Calif Chong's directorial debut, 'High Wire', as it premiered at the BFI London Film Festival (LFF). The film follows a young woman's journey towards self-discovery and freedom, offering a unique twist on the traditional coming-of-age narrative.
Go-Wing, burdened by a sense of duty to her family's Chinese takeaway business and academic studies, feels trapped in a life lacking fulfillment. However, when a circus arrives in town, she seizes an opportunity through a clever scheme and joins the troupe. This decision leads her to discover a newfound sense of community, artistic expression, and the prospect of a future she can shape on her own terms.
Starring Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, 'High Wire' is a captivating tale of personal growth and the power of artistic freedom. The film showcases Wei's exceptional performance, which earned her the role after a swift self-tape audition. Wei, who is ethnically from Hong Kong, found resonance in portraying a character with a similar background, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.
But here's where the casting process gets intriguing: Chong faced a daunting task in finding the right performer for the circus role. Not only did the actor need to be bilingual, but they also had to possess dancing and rollerblading skills, among other talents. This challenge led Chong to question her own writing choices. Yet, when she found Wei's audition tape, it felt like a divine intervention.
Chong, who has a background in editing, co-wrote the script with Jackie Lam, drawing inspiration from her own experiences working in Chinatown. She emphasizes the importance of telling immigrant stories, rejecting the notion of chasing 'dreams' and instead focusing on building a career.
Cinematographer Matthew P. Scott, Chong's partner, provided insight into the technical challenges of filming, citing the final high wire act as particularly demanding. Meanwhile, Wei revealed that the scenes in the takeaway were emotionally demanding, requiring her to establish a believable father-daughter relationship and convey the sense of a long-shared living space.
And this is where the film's heart truly lies: in its ability to portray the complexities of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the pursuit of personal freedom. 'High Wire' promises to captivate audiences with its blend of emotional depth and artistic spectacle, leaving viewers pondering the transformative power of unexpected opportunities.
