A new short film, Under the Wave off Little Dragon, directed by Luo Jian, explores the themes of identity and cultural heritage through the eyes of a young girl. The film, which is part of the 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, features a character named FeiFei, portrayed by Kexin Wang, who grapples with her Chinese heritage while growing up in a Welsh fishing village.
The 14-minute film, which includes dialogues in Mandarin, English, and Welsh, is part of a curated collection titled “Discovering Home.” The synopsis describes FeiFei as a girl who initially dismisses her mother’s folklore until a magical encounter changes her perspective. The film features a diverse cast, including Ah Mui Lau, Jessica Dong, and Stevee Davies.
Under the Wave off Little Dragon is one of four shorts produced under the Film4 banner and funded by Future Takes, a collaborative initiative between the BFI and Channel 4’s Film4. This programme supports filmmakers throughout their projects, culminating in a showcase where completed films are made available for streaming on Channel 4 platforms and the BFI Player.
Personal Experiences Shape the Narrative
In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Jian shared insights into her creative journey. She explained that her personal experiences significantly influenced the film. Having moved from the United States to the United Kingdom three years ago, Jian felt a profound sense of loneliness during her transition, particularly when she arrived in January, a notably dark time in the UK.
A trip to Wales with her partner, who has Welsh heritage, provided a sense of familiarity reminiscent of her hometown in China. Jian described the green landscapes of Wales, which reminded her of the greener areas of the Gobi Desert, where she grew up.
Observing cultural nuances, Jian noted the presence of Welsh dragon statues, which sparked a playful debate with her partner about their origins. This blend of personal reflection and cultural observation became integral to the film’s development.
Finding the Right Talent
Casting for the film proved to be a pivotal aspect of its creation. Jian revealed that the lead actress, Kexin Wang, was discovered during the final casting day. “When we met her, she was really young and had no prior acting experience,” Jian explained. “She came in with her mother, and we noticed how they interacted, which was important for capturing authenticity.”
The casting process aimed to find real individuals rather than seasoned actors, allowing for genuine familial dynamics on screen. Jian emphasized the charm of Wang’s serious demeanor, which belied her nervousness. Her mother also played a significant role in improvising scenes, adding depth to their performances.
As the film evolved, Jian adapted the script to reflect Wang’s experiences as a second-generation immigrant, contrasting with FeiFei’s mother, a first-generation immigrant. This dynamic serves as a central theme, highlighting the complexities of cultural identity and generational differences.
Symbolism and Cultural Narratives
The film incorporates various symbols, notably fish and dragons, which hold significant meaning in Chinese culture. Jian explained that these elements represent aspirations and cautionary tales, with fish symbolizing the potential for transformation into dragons through perseverance.
Despite the rich symbolism, Jian expressed her skepticism towards such folklore, stating, “I don’t believe in tales like this. I don’t gain strength from them.” This sentiment is mirrored in FeiFei’s relationship with her mother’s stories, as she navigates her cultural identity.
Looking ahead, Jian mentioned she has several feature film ideas in development but acknowledged that her writing process is meticulous and time-consuming.
As Under the Wave off Little Dragon continues to be showcased at the BFI London Film Festival, it not only highlights the experience of a young girl in a multicultural environment but also invites audiences to reflect on their own cultural narratives and identities.
