A Chinese Girl in a Welsh Fishing Village Rejects Folklore But Has a Magical Encounter in ‘Under the Wave off Little Dragon’
In a captivating short film, a young girl navigates a Chinese restaurant, engaging with her working mother in a story that transcends borders. This 14-minute masterpiece, titled 'Under the Wave off Little Dragon', is a part of the 'Discovering Home' collection at the BFI London Film Festival (LFF). The film, directed by Luo Jian, stars Kexin Wang as the inquisitive FeiFei, accompanied by Ah Mui Lau, Jessica Dong, Stevee Davies, Rhys Meredith, Ross Foley, and Lee Mengo.
The narrative unfolds as FeiFei, a Chinese girl raised in a Welsh fishing village, challenges her mother's folklore. This rejection of tradition leads her to a magical encounter, marking a pivotal moment in her journey. The film explores the complexities of cultural identity and the power of storytelling, all while showcasing the beauty of Wales and the allure of China.
Jian's creative process began with personal experiences. Moving from the U.S. to the U.K. during a dark and lonely time, she found solace in the green landscapes of Wales, reminiscent of her hometown in the Gobi Desert. This connection sparked the idea for the film, which delves into the challenges of a second-generation immigrant's relationship with their heritage.
The charismatic lead, FeiFei, was discovered through a meticulous casting process. Jian sought a child with a serious demeanor, and found it in a young girl who, despite her nervousness, exuded charm. The girl's mother, an integral part of the film, helped bring the story to life through improvisation. Interestingly, the family runs a restaurant near Heathrow, adding a layer of authenticity to the production.
The themes of role and comfort in the world emerged during the film's development. Initially, the script focused on a first-generation immigrant's loneliness upon arrival in the U.K. However, the casting of FeiFei, a second-generation immigrant, led to a shift in the narrative. The film now explores the complexities of a child's relationship with a culture not their own, influenced by their mother's stories from her hometown.
The symbolism of fish and the dragon in Chinese culture adds depth to the story. While fish may have religious connotations in Western cultures, the dragon holds a special place in Chinese folklore. The film challenges the belief in such tales, as FeiFei's mother, like Jian, finds no strength in them. The narrative, however, hints at a curious curiosity about these symbolic elements.
Looking ahead, Jian is in the early stages of developing feature films, a process that takes time and patience. The LFF 2025 shorts coverage continues with 'Nostalgie', 'Flock', and 'Magid / Zafar', each offering unique perspectives on identity, morality, and masculinity.
