The Circus Comes to Rural England: A Tale of Dreams and Opportunities in 'High Wire'
In the captivating film 'High Wire', directed by Calif Chong, a small circus arriving in rural England becomes a transformative experience for a young woman named Go-Wing. This world premiere at the 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) introduces audiences to a compelling story of personal growth and self-discovery.
The movie, co-written by Chong and Jackie Lam, explores Go-Wing's journey. She feels trapped in her daily routine of working at her father's Chinese takeaway and studying, longing for a more fulfilling life. However, when the circus arrives, a series of events unfolds that changes her destiny. With a touch of accidental blackmail, Go-Wing joins the circus, finding a sense of community, artistic freedom, and a future she can shape.
The film features Isabella Wei, Dominic Lam Kar Wah, and Jose Palma in leading roles, produced by Silent D Pictures in collaboration with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions. The cinematography is expertly handled by Matthew P. Scott, creating a visually stunning experience.
Chong, who makes her directorial debut with 'High Wire', draws from her own experiences. She shared with THR, "The circus was the perfect setting for an immigrant story set in the food business. I worked in a restaurant in Chinatown in Manchester, and it was a challenging yet rewarding pursuit."
Isabella Wei's journey to landing the lead role was swift. She recalled, "I submitted a self-tape audition and received the casting news just a few hours later. It was an exciting and rewarding experience."
Despite not auditioning locally, Wei felt a deep connection to the character. "It was meaningful to portray someone from Hong Kong or of Hong Kong descent in the U.K., where I spend time. The role offered creative and physically expressive outlets."
Chong faced casting challenges for the circus performer role. She mentioned, "It was a difficult casting process. The bilingual ability was crucial, but they also needed to dance and rollerblade. When I saw her tape, I knew I had found the perfect fit."
Matthew P. Scott, Chong's partner, had an advantage in the planning discussions, allowing him to prepare for various scenes. However, he considered the final high-wire act the most challenging due to the extensive visual effects required on set.
Wei found certain scenes particularly demanding, especially those at the takeaway. "Creating the dynamic between me and my dad, making it look like we've lived together in a tight space for a long time, was a significant challenge."
'High Wire' promises to be an emotional and visually stunning journey, leaving audiences captivated and eager to explore the power of personal transformation.
