The Circus Comes to Rural England: A Young Woman's Journey in 'High Wire'
In a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and community, Calif Chong's directorial debut, 'High Wire', takes center stage at the BFI London Film Festival. This captivating film follows the journey of Go-Wing, a young woman navigating her future amidst the backdrop of a small circus in rural England. With a unique blend of acrobatics, personal growth, and cultural exploration, 'High Wire' promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The movie, co-written by Chong and Jackie Lam, explores Go-Wing's struggle with a predetermined future, her father's Chinese takeaway business, and the loneliness that lingers beneath her sense of duty. When the circus arrives, an unexpected turn of events allows Go-Wing to join the acrobats, leading her to discover a sense of community, artistic freedom, and a path towards a fulfilling future on her own terms.
Starring Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, 'High Wire' is a Silent D Pictures production, in association with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions. The film's cinematography, handled by Matthew P. Scott, adds to the visual splendor of the story.
Chong, who has primarily worked as an editor, drew from her own experiences working in a restaurant in Manchester's Chinatown to craft an authentic immigrant story. She shared, 'The circus was the perfect place for my dream to tell an immigrant story set in the food business environment. I felt very weird because I was there to chase some sort of dream, but I'm here to make a career.'
Isabella Wei's journey to landing the lead role was swift and exciting. She recalled, 'I submitted a self-tape audition and heard back from them just a few hours later, confirming my casting. It was super-exciting and a beautiful role.' Wei's connection to the story, despite being in Hong Kong at the time, was evident as she expressed her joy in portraying a character from Hong Kong in the U.K., incorporating creative and physically expressive outlets.
Casting for the circus performer role presented its challenges. Chong admitted, 'It was a hard casting. I thought, 'Why did I write this?' The bilingual ability was one thing, but they also had to dance and rollerblade. When I saw her tape, I was like, 'Oh, god is saving me.'
As Chong's partner, Matthew P. Scott had the advantage of being part of planning discussions, which prepared him for many scenes. However, he revealed that the final high wire act was technically the most challenging due to the extensive visual effects work required on set.
Wei found certain scenes particularly demanding, especially those in the takeaway. She explained, 'Creating the relationship between me and my dad, making it look like we had been living together in a tight, narrow space for so long, was quite a challenge.'
'High Wire' is a testament to Chong's vision and storytelling prowess, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration, personal growth, and the captivating world of the circus. With its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, 'High Wire' is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
