Calif Chong, the director behind High Wire, grew up in a working-class Hong Kong household where trips to the cinema were rare. It wasn’t until she discovered Stephen Chow’s comedies that film became truly transformative for her. 'I thought, oh my God, if I could become the female version of Stephen Chow, how cool would that be?' Chong recalls, describing the spark that set her on a path to comedy-driven storytelling. Today, she channels that influence into a project that tackles immigration with humor and heart. High Wire is set to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, where Chong will share how she blends sharp wit with insightful takes on identity and belonging. By making immigration funny, Chong aims to reach broad audiences while staying true to the immigrant experience. Her vision is to empower a new generation of filmmakers, especially women, from Hong Kong and beyond, to tell bold, funny stories about resilience, culture, and connection.