Hong Kong Filmmaker Chong Premieres Immigrant Comedy-Drama 'High Wire' at London Film Festival

Last month, Hong Kong filmmaker Calif Chong achieved a major milestone with the world premiere of her debut feature 'High Wire' at the BFI London Film Festival. The comedy-drama follows the story of Go-wing, a British-Chinese takeaway girl who discovers her inner strength and artistic bravery when a circus comes to her small English town.

Chong, who grew up in a working-class Hong Kong household, was inspired to make a film that would resonate with the immigrant experience while also entertaining audiences. "I wanted this full-length film to be enjoyable throughout for everyone who makes the film, who acts, who edits the film. We try to make people laugh. That's the goal," she explains.

The film stars Hong Kong actress Isabella Wei, known for her breakout role in Netflix's '1899', who Chong says "ticks all the boxes" for the lead role. Wei's nuanced portrayal of the introverted Go-wing added unexpected depth to the character, reflecting Chong's own experience as an immigrant.

Beyond the humor, 'High Wire' explores the complex family dynamics within the Chinese community, a subject Chong felt hadn't been portrayed with enough nuance on screen. "In the Chinese community, the family relationship is still very complex, but it's not portrayed well," she says. "It's always a bit sad. I come from that background, and I know there is a lot of trauma, but for my debut, I wanted to be a mix of hard drama, but also comedy."