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 intriguing: what if this circus isn’t just a spectacle, but a gateway to freedom, self-discovery, and a future lived on one’s own terms? And this is the part most people miss: beneath the glittering lights and daring acrobatics lies a profound story about identity, community, and the courage to break free from societal expectations.
High Wire follows Go-Wing, a young woman whose days are consumed by working at her father’s Chinese takeaway and studying, leaving her with a gnawing sense of loneliness and unfulfilled potential. When a traveling acrobatic circus arrives in town, Go-Wing seizes an unexpected opportunity—with a dash of accidental blackmail—to join their ranks. Through this journey, she discovers a sense of belonging, artistic expression, and the promise of a life she’s always craved. Co-written by Chong and Jackie Lam, the film stars Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma, with cinematography by Matthew P. Scott. Produced by Silent D Pictures in collaboration with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions, High Wire is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Chong’s decision to set the story within the food business environment reflects her own experiences working in a Manchester Chinatown restaurant. ‘I felt very weird because I was there to chase some sort of dream,’ she told The Hollywood Reporter. ‘I hate this word, by the way. People say dream. I’m here to make a career, and it’s not meant to be a dream.’ This bold statement challenges the romanticized notion of pursuing dreams, inviting viewers to question whether ambition should be framed as a fantasy or a tangible goal. What do you think? Is the pursuit of a career more realistic than chasing a dream?
Isabella Wei, who landed the lead role after submitting a self-tape audition from Hong Kong, shared her excitement about embodying Go-Wing. ‘It was such a beautiful role,’ she said, highlighting the character’s physical and emotional expressiveness. Wei’s casting wasn’t without its challenges, though. Chong admitted, ‘At some point, I thought, ‘Why did I write this?’ The role required bilingualism, dancing, rollerblading, and more. When I saw her tape, I was like, ‘Oh, god is saving me.’
Behind the scenes, Matthew P. Scott, Chong’s partner and cinematographer, faced his own hurdles. ‘Technically, the hardest scene was the final high wire act,’ he explained. ‘It’s very challenging to execute that much visual effects work on set.’ Meanwhile, Wei found the intimate moments in the takeaway shop equally demanding. ‘Creating that relationship between me and my dad, making it feel like we’ve coexisted in this tight space for years, was quite a challenge,’ she revealed.
High Wire isn’t just a film about circus life; it’s a poignant exploration of immigrant experiences, familial obligations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. But here’s the question we leave you with: In a world that often dictates our paths, how far would you go to reclaim your own story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
