The short film Under the Wave off Little Dragon, directed by Luo Jian, explores the life of a Chinese girl living in a Welsh fishing village. Featured at the 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, this 14-minute film captures the intersection of cultures through its protagonist, FeiFei, portrayed by Kexin Wang. The film is part of a collection titled “Discovering Home,” showcasing diverse narratives.
The story revolves around FeiFei, who grows up immersed in her mother’s traditional folklore. A pivotal moment occurs when she experiences a magical encounter that challenges her skepticism. The film is multilingual, featuring dialogues in Mandarin, English, and Welsh, which reflects the cultural tapestry of its setting.
A collaborative effort between the BFI and Channel 4’s Film4, Future Takes has provided funding and support throughout the film’s development. After the festival screenings, films from this initiative become available for streaming on Channel 4 platforms and the BFI Player.
Personal Experiences Shape the Narrative
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jian revealed that her personal experiences significantly influenced the film’s conception. She recounted her move from the U.S. to the U.K., describing a sense of loneliness that accompanied her during that transition. “I moved in January, when it’s really dark,” Jian said. A family trip to Wales, where her partner has roots, helped her feel more at home, reminding her of her childhood in the greener part of the Gobi Desert.
The director also noticed cultural parallels while in Wales, particularly through the presence of dragon imagery. Jian humorously recalled a conversation with her boyfriend about the differences between the Chinese dragon and the Welsh dragon.
Finding the Right Talent
Casting the role of FeiFei was a pivotal moment for Jian. “When we met her, I think she was seven,” she explained. The casting process involved identifying children without prior acting experience, focusing on their interactions with family members. The chosen actress not only brought authenticity to the role but also had a unique charm that resonated with audiences.
Jian noted that the young actress’s initial seriousness masked her nervousness, creating a compelling screen presence. Her mother, who also plays a role in the film, contributed to improvisational scenes, enhancing the film’s authenticity. Interestingly, they run a restaurant near Heathrow, a detail that remained undisclosed until after the casting.
Jian adjusted the screenplay during the casting process. Initially, the script focused on a first-generation immigrant’s experience. However, after casting FeiFei, who is a second-generation immigrant fluent in English, Jian shifted the narrative to explore the complexities of cultural identity and integration.
Thematic Exploration and Symbolism
The film delves into the relationship between FeiFei and her culture. Jian expressed interest in how the stories passed down from FeiFei’s mother, a first-generation immigrant, shape her understanding of her heritage. “You hear stories from your mom’s hometown because she is a first-generation immigrant,” Jian said, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in bridging cultural gaps.
Symbolism plays a significant role in the film, particularly through the representation of fish and dragons. While Jian admits her knowledge of Chinese religious symbolism is limited, she highlights the cultural significance of these creatures in Chinese mythology. The narrative suggests that a fish can transform into a dragon, representing aspirations and the pursuit of a better life.
Despite the folklore’s allure, Jian admits to a personal skepticism regarding such tales. “I don’t believe in tales like this. I don’t gain strength from them,” she said, reiterating FeiFei’s ambivalence towards her mother’s stories.
As for future projects, Jian hinted at several feature ideas currently in development, acknowledging her methodical writing pace.
The film Under the Wave off Little Dragon not only showcases a touching story of cultural identity but also highlights the collaborative spirit of filmmaking across different backgrounds. With its premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, it promises to resonate with audiences both locally and globally.
