A young girl’s journey of self-discovery unfolds in the short film Under the Wave off Little Dragon, directed by Luo Jian. The film is part of the 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival and runs for 14 minutes. It explores the life of FeiFei, portrayed by Kexin Wang, a Chinese girl growing up in a Welsh fishing village. As she navigates her cultural identity, FeiFei finds herself rejecting her mother’s folklore until she encounters a moment of magic that changes her perspective.
The film is a multilingual production, featuring dialogue in Mandarin, English, and Welsh. It is included in the festival’s collection of shorts titled “Discovering Home.” The cast also includes Ah Mui Lau, Jessica Dong, Stevee Davies, Rhys Meredith, Ross Foley, and Lee Mengo. Future Takes, a collaborative initiative by the BFI and Channel 4’s Film4, supported the film throughout its production. Once completed, films from this initiative are showcased and subsequently made available for streaming on various platforms.
Jian’s Personal Journey Shapes the Narrative
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jian shared insights into the film’s inspiration, rooted deeply in her personal experiences. After relocating from the United States to the United Kingdom in January 2020, she grappled with feelings of loneliness exacerbated by the dark winter months. A visit to Wales with her partner, who has Welsh heritage, offered solace and a connection to her childhood in the greener regions of the Gobi Desert.
“I saw hints of China everywhere in Wales,” Jian remarked, noting the familiar landscapes and cultural symbols that reminded her of home. The vibrant green fields and the presence of Welsh dragon statues sparked a friendly debate between her and her partner about their cultural significance.
Finding the Right Star
Casting for FeiFei required a unique approach, as Jian sought authenticity in the performances. “We found her through casting. She was only seven years old at the time,” Jian explained. The casting director played a crucial role in discovering talent among children with no prior acting experience. FeiFei’s serious demeanor during auditions stood out, reflecting her way of managing nerves.
Interestingly, after the casting process, it was revealed that FeiFei and her mother manage a restaurant near Heathrow Airport, a detail that added depth to their involvement in the film. Jian emphasized the importance of genuine interactions, which helped shape the film’s narrative.
Exploring Themes of Cultural Identity
The film’s themes evolved significantly through the casting process. Initially, the script centered on a first-generation immigrant’s experience of loneliness. However, upon casting FeiFei, who identifies as a second-generation immigrant, Jian adapted the storyline to reflect this nuanced cultural dynamic.
FeiFei’s relationship with her mother, a first-generation immigrant, plays a pivotal role in the film. It explores the complexities of navigating cultural heritage and identity. As Jian noted, “You hear stories from your mom’s hometown because she is a first-generation immigrant. Someone you trust is telling you stories that you’ve never experienced.”
Symbolism in the film is woven through the imagery of fish and dragons, which carry significant meaning in Chinese culture. While Jian acknowledged her limited knowledge of Chinese religious beliefs, she highlighted that fish are often seen as symbols of aspiration and transformation. “If you’re a fish that swims fast enough and jumps high enough, you can become a dragon,” she explained, relating this tale to the pursuit of a better life.
Future Endeavors
As the film garners attention at the festival, Jian is already contemplating her next projects. “I have a couple of feature ideas brewing, but it always takes me a long time to transition from one to the next,” she admitted, noting her writing process is deliberate rather than quick.
With its rich tapestry of cultural exploration and personal narrative, Under the Wave off Little Dragon is poised to resonate with audiences, inviting them to reflect on their own connections to identity and belonging. As the film continues to be showcased, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging diverse cultures.
