Get ready for a captivating tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The arrival of a small circus in rural England sparks an extraordinary journey for a young woman in Calif Chong's feature film, 'High Wire.' This captivating story, co-written by Chong and Jackie Lam, premiered at the 69th BFI London Film Festival, leaving audiences eager for more.
'High Wire' delves into the life of Go-Wing, whose future seems predetermined by her daily routine of working at her father's Chinese takeaway and studying. However, beneath this sense of duty lies a deep loneliness and an unfulfilled life. But here's where it gets controversial... the circus, an unexpected visitor, becomes a catalyst for change. With a twist 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.
Starring Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, this film is a production of Silent D Pictures in association with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions. The stunning cinematography by Matthew P. Scott adds an extra layer of magic to the story. Take a sneak peek at the film clip to get a taste of the adventure awaiting you.
For Calif Chong, this film marks a significant milestone as her feature directorial debut. Having primarily worked as an editor, Chong brings a fresh perspective to the big screen. She, along with Wei and Scott, shared their insights during a press event at the LFF afternoon tea.
Chong revealed her inspiration, stating, 'The circus was the perfect setting for my immigrant story, set in the food business environment. I experienced working in a restaurant in Chinatown, Manchester, and it felt surreal. I was there to build a career, not just chasing a dream.'
Isabella Wei, who landed the lead role, shared her excitement, 'I submitted an audition tape, and within hours, I was cast! It was an incredible opportunity to portray such a beautiful character.'
But here's the part most people miss... Wei's audition was not local. She was in Hong Kong at the time, adding an interesting twist to the story. 'It was special to tell the story of someone from Hong Kong in the UK, where I spend some time. The role offered creative and physically expressive outlets,' she explained.
Casting for a circus performer role was a challenge, as Chong recalls, 'Finding the right actor was tough. They needed to be bilingual, dance, and rollerblade. When I saw Wei's tape, I knew she was the one!'
Matthew P. Scott, Chong's partner and cinematographer, had an advantage in being part of the planning. However, he faced his toughest scene - the final high wire act, due to the complexity of visual effects.
For Wei, the most challenging scenes were in the takeaway, as she explained, 'Creating the relationship with my dad on screen, and making it look like we've lived together in that tight space for so long, was a real test.'
'High Wire' is a must-watch, offering a unique perspective on immigration, dreams, and the power of community. It leaves you wondering: What would you do if your future was predetermined? Would you take a chance on a different path? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss this captivating film!
