A new short film titled Under the Wave off Little Dragon, directed by Luo Jian, explores the intersection of culture and identity through the eyes of a young girl. Set in a Welsh fishing village, the film showcases a Chinese girl named FeiFei, who grapples with her mother’s cultural folklore. This 14-minute film is part of the 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) and is screened under the collection “Discovering Home.”
The film features an intriguing mix of languages, including Mandarin, English, and Welsh. The protagonist, portrayed by Kexin Wang, experiences a turning point in her understanding of her heritage after a magical encounter challenges her initial skepticism towards her mother’s stories. The narrative highlights the complexities of growing up as a second-generation immigrant while navigating the rich tapestry of her family’s cultural background.
Film Development and Inspiration
Luo Jian shared insights about her inspiration for the film in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Reflecting on her personal experiences, she noted that her move from the United States to the United Kingdom was a significant driving force behind the story. “When I first moved from the U.S. to the U.K. in January, I felt quite lonely,” Jian explained. A family trip to Wales, where she found comfort in the lush landscapes reminiscent of her upbringing in China, sparked the idea for the film.
The film’s casting process was equally serendipitous. Jian described how they found Kexin Wang, who was only seven at the time of casting, through a dedicated casting director. Despite her lack of prior acting experience, Wang brought a unique presence to the role of FeiFei. Jian emphasized the importance of authenticity, noting that many children in the casting process were encouraged to bring their family members to create a more natural dynamic.
A Deep Dive into Cultural Themes
As the story progressed, Jian adapted the script to better reflect Wang’s experiences. Initially centered around a first-generation immigrant’s perspective, the narrative evolved to focus on FeiFei’s experience as a second-generation child. This shift allowed for a deeper exploration of the relationship between FeiFei and her mother, a first-generation immigrant who shares stories from her hometown in China.
Jian highlighted the film’s themes surrounding folklore, stating, “You hear stories from your mom’s hometown because she is a first-generation immigrant.” This dynamic sets the stage for the film’s exploration of cultural identity and the complexities surrounding it.
In discussing the symbolism of fish and dragons within the story, Jian pointed to the rich tapestry of meanings these elements hold in Chinese culture. “Fish equals dragon,” she explained, referencing the idea that if a fish swims fast enough, it can transform into a dragon. This symbolic cautionary tale serves as a metaphor for striving towards a better life, although Jian expressed her personal skepticism towards such narratives.
As the film continues to garner attention, Jian is already contemplating her next projects, although she admits that developing new ideas takes time. For viewers intrigued by the interplay of culture and personal experience, Under the Wave off Little Dragon promises to be a poignant reflection on identity and belonging.
The film is part of a broader initiative supported by Future Takes, a collaboration between the BFI and Channel 4’s Film4, which aims to nurture emerging talent in the film industry. Following its screening at the festival, the short films will also be available for streaming on Channel 4 platforms and the BFI Player, allowing a wider audience to engage with these unique stories.