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, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... The film's synopsis hints at a predetermined future for the protagonist, Go-Wing, who feels trapped between duty and loneliness. When an acrobatic circus arrives, it becomes a gateway to a new life, a community, and artistic freedom. Go-Wing's journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, we need to take a leap of faith to find our true path.
Starring Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, 'High Wire' is a production of Silent D Pictures, in collaboration with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions. The stunning cinematography by Matthew P. Scott adds an extra layer of visual brilliance to the story.
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 at a LFF afternoon tea event, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of this captivating film.
Chong's inspiration for the story stems from her own experiences working in a restaurant in Manchester's Chinatown. She shared with THR, "I felt weird being there to chase a dream. I'm here to build a career, not just a dream."
Isabella Wei, who landed the lead role after submitting a self-tape audition, described the experience as exciting and beautiful. She added, "It was nice to tell a story about someone from Hong Kong in the UK, where I spend some of my time. It offered a creative, expressive outlet, especially physically."
However, casting for the circus performer role was a challenge. Chong recalled, "It was a hard casting process. At one point, I wondered why I wrote this! The bilingual ability was one thing, but they also needed to dance and rollerblade. When I saw Wei's tape, I felt like God was saving me."
For Matthew P. Scott, the hardest scene technically was the final high wire act, due to the visual effects involved. Wei, on the other hand, found the scenes in the takeaway challenging, as creating a believable relationship with her on-screen father in a confined space was a delicate task.
'High Wire' is a must-watch for anyone seeking an inspiring story about finding one's true calling. It offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience, set against the backdrop of a vibrant circus.
And this is the part most people miss... The film's success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unique talents of its cast and crew. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most challenging roles can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
What do you think? Is 'High Wire' a film you'd like to see? Do you find the immigrant experience portrayed in films captivating? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
