A small circus arriving in rural England opens new doors for a young woman in Calif Chong’s feature film, High Wire. The movie had its world premiere at the 69th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2023. It tells the story of Go-Wing, a young woman whose life feels restricted by her responsibilities at her father’s Chinese takeaway and her studies. A chance encounter with an acrobatic circus changes everything, leading her to discover a sense of community and artistic expression.
The film, co-written by Chong and Jackie Lam, explores themes of identity and fulfillment. The synopsis highlights Go-Wing’s struggle with loneliness and unfulfilled dreams, stating, “Days are filled with working at her father’s Chinese takeaway and studying. Beneath her sense of duty is a crushing loneliness and the prospect of a life unfulfilled.” When the circus arrives, her accidental involvement propels her toward a path of self-discovery.
In addition to Isabella Wei, who portrays Go-Wing, the film features performances by Dominic Lam Kar Wah and Jose Palma. Matthew P. Scott handled the cinematography, contributing to the film’s visual storytelling. The production is a collaboration between Silent D Pictures, Make a Difference Films, and Ajamax Productions.
Chong’s Personal Connection to the Story
At a press event during the film festival, Chong shared her inspiration for the story, noting her own experiences working in a restaurant in Manchester. “The circus was the perfect place for my dream to tell an immigrant story that’s set in the food business environment,” she said. She emphasized the importance of pursuing a career rather than simply chasing dreams, a sentiment that resonates throughout the film.
Wei, who was in Hong Kong when she auditioned, expressed her excitement about landing the lead role. “I submitted a self-tape audition, and I heard back from them that I was cast in a role,” she recalled. “It was super-exciting. And it was such a beautiful role.” Wei appreciated the opportunity to portray a character with similar ethnic backgrounds while living in the UK.
Casting for the role of Go-Wing presented challenges for Chong, particularly due to the physical demands of a circus performer. “It was a hard casting,” she admitted. “At some point, I thought, ‘Why did I write this?’” The actress needed to be bilingual and proficient in various performance skills, including dancing and rollerblading. When she saw Wei’s audition tape, Chong felt a sigh of relief.
Challenges and Creative Collaborations
As Scott, Chong’s partner, worked on the film, he was involved in discussions regarding many scenes. He described the final high wire act as technically demanding due to the extensive visual effects required. Meanwhile, Wei found the scenes set in the takeaway particularly challenging. “We needed that relationship between me and my dad,” she explained. “Creating that dynamic to make it look like we have been living together and coexisting in this really tight, narrow space for so long was quite a challenge.”
With its exploration of personal growth against the backdrop of a vibrant circus, High Wire showcases the potential for transformation and the importance of community. As the film continues to resonate with audiences, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in revealing the complexities of life and culture.
