Norwich Film Festival - High Wire

The directorial debut from buzzing talent Calif Chong

The Norwich Film Festival has shaped up to have an impressive bill treating cinephiles to inspiring unique stories, including the directorial debut from buzzing talent Calif Chong.

Au Go Wing (Isabella Wei) is a typical 19 year old girl, splitting her time between helping her dad run their family owned Chinese takeaway and studying to become a lawyer. That is until one evening, she's tasked with delivering an order to the local circus troop. A delivery that alters the trajectory of her life. She becomes accepted into the troop for her captivating talent of roller blading, but Go pushes her ambitions to the limit. To take to the High Wire. Thus her double life begins, between deceiving her dad that she's doing an internship in the town over whilst she's rehearsing, all while continuing to work all night at the takeaway and staying up all night studying. But, where do her ambitions truly lie? And how will she weigh up her commitment to her family that made sacrifices for her own life, whilst pursuing her own dreams?

Isabella delivers an enigmatic performance. Perfectly pairing sarky wit with fervent emotions of anxiety and desperation that comes with being young. Her tale is so fresh and unique, whilst still touching on hard hitting themes of overcoming systematic oppression whilst trying so desperately to fit in.

Go’s Dad played by Dominic Lam does is a looming father, who desperately wants the best for her even if it means discouraging her from pursuing the arts. He has a touching sweetness in the way he supports Go, and their relationship is one that is quite moving. Whilst he plays the role of the controlling father, he's in no way domineering. And it feels like a realistic family dynamic in which parents believe they know what's best for their kids. Even though he plays a role in influencing Go’s decisions, it's never mean spirited. This breaks a lot of archaic stereotypes of Asian families that is still extremely common on Western screens.

The film terrifically deals with microaggressions, familial trauma, and racially motivated violence that feels so particularly hard-hitting in the current climate. But these challenges are presented in a way that's so accessible, whilst still harbouring nuance and intellect.

The cinematography also has a bright retro huw that makes it a visual delight. Sweeping shots of the grand Yorkshire countryside and sprawling roads paint a vivid beautiful picture of the scene.

This is an immensely impressive debut from Calif, as it celebrates diversity through the lens of a unique narrative. It's a real collaborative effort with all roles offering something special.

4 Stars