Chinese Girl’s Journey in Welsh Village Explores Folklore and Identity
A short film titled Under the Wave off Little Dragon, directed by Luo Jian, is making its mark at the 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival. The 14-minute film, which intertwines Mandarin, English, and Welsh languages, is part of a collection entitled “Discovering Home.” It tells the story of a Chinese girl growing up in a Welsh fishing village who initially rejects her mother’s folklore but undergoes a transformative experience.
The film stars Kexin Wang as the young protagonist, FeiFei, alongside actors Ah Mui Lau, Jessica Dong, Stevee Davies, Rhys Meredith, Ross Foley, and Lee Mengo. It is one of four shorts featured by Film4 at the festival and has received support from Future Takes, a collaborative initiative between the British Film Institute (BFI) and Channel 4. The program assists filmmakers throughout the production process, culminating in screenings and availability on streaming platforms.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jian shared the inspiration behind the film, rooted in her own experiences after moving from the United States to the United Kingdom. “Three years ago, when I first moved to the U.K., I was feeling quite lonely,” Jian explained. She described her relocation during a particularly bleak winter in January 2023, which heightened her sense of isolation. However, a family trip to Wales offered her a sense of comfort, reminding her of her hometown in China, characterized by its lush landscapes and sheep.
Jian’s observations during this trip also influenced the narrative of Under the Wave off Little Dragon. “I saw little statues, Welsh red dragon statues, on people’s walls,” she recalled, adding that she playfully argued with her partner about the cultural significance of the dragon. This playful banter highlighted the blending of cultures that is central to the film.
The casting process for FeiFei was also unique. Jian noted that the young actress, who was just seven years old when cast, had no prior experience. “We found her through an amazing casting director, who helped us discover a lot of kids without any experience,” Jian said. The casting focused on how the children interacted with their families, aiming to capture authentic familial dynamics on screen.
As the film progressed, Jian adapted the script to reflect the experiences of her lead actress, who represents a second-generation immigrant. This shift allowed the narrative to explore themes of cultural identity and the relationship between FeiFei and her mother, a first-generation immigrant. “You hear stories from your mom’s hometown because she is a first-generation immigrant,” Jian explained. “Someone you trust is telling you stories that you’ve never experienced.”
Symbolism plays a significant role in the film, particularly concerning fish and dragons. Jian mentioned that these symbols carry deep meanings in Chinese culture, likening the journey of fish to that of dragons. “If you’re a fish that swims fast enough and jumps high enough, you can become a dragon,” she noted, referring to this as a cautionary tale that teaches perseverance. However, she also emphasized FeiFei’s skepticism towards such tales, highlighting her curiosity without necessarily believing in them.
Looking ahead, Jian expressed her ambition to develop feature films but acknowledged her tendency to take time with writing. As she contemplates her next projects, the resonant themes and unique storytelling in Under the Wave off Little Dragon signify a promising future for the director and her emerging star.
The film’s exploration of cultural identity and the nuances of family relationships resonates deeply within the broader narrative of migration and belonging. As it continues to screen at the BFI London Film Festival, audiences can look forward to reflecting on these themes, which are increasingly relevant in today’s globalized world.
