The arrival of a circus in rural England becomes a life-changing event in Calif Chong's directorial debut, 'High Wire', which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival (LFF). This captivating film explores the journey of a young woman, Go-Wing, who feels trapped in a monotonous life, working at her father's Chinese takeaway and studying endlessly. But her world transforms when an acrobatic circus visits town, offering her a chance to break free.
But here's where it gets intriguing... Go-Wing uses a bit of accidental blackmail to join the circus, and this decision becomes her ticket to a new life. She discovers a sense of community, artistic freedom, and the prospect of a future she can shape on her terms. This coming-of-age tale is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and the transformative nature of art.
Starring Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, 'High Wire' is a Silent D Pictures production, in collaboration with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions. The film's cinematography, led by Matthew P. Scott, beautifully captures the circus atmosphere and Go-Wing's emotional journey.
Chong, who has primarily worked as an editor, takes a bold step into directing with this feature. In an interview with the press at the LFF, she revealed the personal connection to the story, saying, "I wanted to tell an immigrant's story set in the food business, drawing from my own experience working in a Chinatown restaurant in Manchester." This dream, as she calls it, is a career move for her, not just a fantasy.
Isabella Wei, who plays Go-Wing, shared her excitement about landing the lead role, especially as it allowed her to represent her Hong Kong heritage while spending time in the UK. The role demanded physical expressiveness, which Wei embraced.
Casting the right performer for Go-Wing was a challenge, as Chong sought someone bilingual, skilled in dance, rollerblading, and more. When Wei's audition tape arrived, Chong felt a sense of relief, knowing she had found her star.
Matthew P. Scott, Chong's partner and the film's cinematographer, shared insights into the technical challenges, citing the final high wire act as the most demanding scene to shoot due to its extensive visual effects.
Wei, however, found the scenes in the takeaway restaurant the most difficult, as they required building a believable father-daughter relationship and a sense of shared history in a confined space.
And this is where it gets controversial... 'High Wire' raises questions about the fine line between dreams and reality, and the lengths one should go to pursue their passions. Does Go-Wing's use of blackmail, albeit accidental, justify the means to her newfound freedom? Is it ever acceptable to manipulate circumstances to achieve personal goals? These thought-provoking questions are at the heart of this captivating film, leaving audiences with much to ponder and discuss.
