Imagine a small, vibrant circus rolling into the quiet countryside of rural England, bringing with it a whirlwind of change for a young woman trapped in a life of routine. This is the captivating premise of High Wire, Calif Chong’s feature directorial debut, which recently premiered at the 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF). But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a circus truly transform someone’s destiny, or is it just a fleeting escape from reality? Let’s dive in.
High Wire follows Go-Wing, a young woman whose future feels predetermined—stuck working at her father’s Chinese takeaway and studying, all while battling a deep sense of loneliness. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a traveling acrobatic circus arrives in town. With a dash of accidental blackmail, Go-Wing joins the circus, discovering a sense of community, artistic freedom, and the possibility of a future on her own terms. And this is the part most people miss: The film isn’t just about the circus; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, dreams, and the weight of familial expectations.
Co-written by Chong and Jackie Lam, the film stars Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma. Produced by Silent D Pictures in collaboration with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions, the cinematography by Matthew P. Scott captures the circus’s dazzling energy and Go-Wing’s emotional journey. For a sneak peek, check out the film clip here.
Chong, who transitioned from editing to directing, drew inspiration from her own experiences. “The circus was the perfect setting to tell an immigrant story rooted in the food business,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I worked in a restaurant in Manchester’s Chinatown, chasing what people call a ‘dream.’ But I hate that word. It’s not a dream—it’s a career.” Bold statement alert: Chong challenges the romanticized notion of dreams, sparking a debate about ambition and reality.
Isabella Wei, who landed the lead role after a self-tape audition from Hong Kong, shared her excitement. “It was such a beautiful role,” she said. “Telling the story of someone from Hong Kong living in the U.K. felt deeply personal, especially with its emphasis on physical expression.” Thought-provoking question: How often do we see stories that authentically blend cultural identity with artistic expression?
Casting Wei wasn’t easy, though. Chong admitted, “Finding someone bilingual who could dance, rollerblade, and perform circus acts was a challenge. When I saw her tape, I thought, ‘God is saving me.’” Meanwhile, Scott, Chong’s partner and cinematographer, highlighted the technical difficulties, particularly the final high-wire act, which required extensive visual effects.
Interestingly, Wei found the emotional scenes in the takeaway more challenging. “Creating a believable father-daughter dynamic in such a confined space was tough,” she explained. Controversial interpretation: Could this tension between characters reflect broader societal pressures on immigrant families?
High Wire isn’t just a film—it’s a conversation starter. Does the circus symbolize freedom, or is it just another form of escapism? And what does it mean to pursue a career versus a dream? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this thought-provoking debut!
