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 lifeline 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 acrobatics lies a profound story about identity, loneliness, 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, her dreams stifled by a sense of duty and isolation. 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, she discovers a sense of community, artistic expression, and the promise of a life she never thought possible. 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 association with Make a Difference Films and Ajamax Productions, it’s a story that blends cultural nuance with universal themes of aspiration and belonging.
Controversially, Chong’s inspiration for the film stems from her own experiences working in a Chinatown restaurant in Manchester, where she grappled with the idea of pursuing a career versus chasing a so-called “dream.” “I hate this word, by the way,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “People say dream. I’m here to make a career, and it’s not meant to be a dream.” This blunt perspective challenges the romanticized notion of following one’s passion, inviting audiences to question: Is the pursuit of a dream always as idyllic as it seems?
Isabella Wei, who landed the lead role after submitting a self-tape audition from Hong Kong, shared her excitement about portraying Go-Wing. “It was such a beautiful role,” she said, highlighting the physical and emotional depth it required. Wei’s casting wasn’t without its challenges, though. Chong admitted, “At some point, I thought, ‘Why did I write this?’” The role demanded bilingual fluency, dancing, rollerblading, and more. “So, when I saw her tape, I was like, ‘Oh, god is saving me,’” Chong recalled.
Matthew P. Scott, the film’s cinematographer and Chong’s partner, noted that the most technically demanding scene was the final high wire act, which required extensive visual effects work. However, Wei found the intimate moments in the takeaway shop more challenging. “Creating that relationship or dynamic to make it look like we’ve been living together in this tight, narrow space for so long was quite a challenge,” she explained.
High Wire isn’t just a film about a circus; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and the lengths one will go to reclaim their future. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a world that often dictates our paths, how far would you go to live life on your own terms? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
