Imagine a young Chinese girl, raised in the quaint embrace of a Welsh fishing village, boldly rejecting the folklore of her heritage—only to be swept into a magical encounter that challenges everything she thought she knew. This is the captivating premise of Under the Wave off Little Dragon, a 14-minute short film by Luo Jian, showcased at the 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF). But here’s where it gets intriguing: this Mandarin-, English-, and Welsh-language film isn’t just a story—it’s a mirror to the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also a deeply personal reflection of the director’s own journey between worlds.
Part of the LFF’s ‘Discovering Home’ collection, the film stars Kexin Wang as FeiFei, a curious and spirited girl who grapples with her mother’s traditional tales. The cast also includes Ah Mui Lau, Jessica Dong, Stevee Davies, Rhys Meredith, Ross Foley, and Lee Mengo. What makes this project even more remarkable is its backing by Future Takes, a collaborative initiative between the BFI and Film4, which nurtures films from conception to streaming availability on Channel 4 platforms and the BFI Player.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jian reveals how her own experiences shaped the film. Three years ago, feeling lonely after moving from New York to London, she found solace in Wales, whose lush landscapes reminded her of her hometown in the greener part of the Gobi Desert. ‘I saw hints of China everywhere in Wales,’ she recalls, from the Welsh red dragon statues to the very essence of the land itself. But here’s the controversial part: while the film explores cultural duality, Jian admits she doesn’t personally draw strength from the folklore she depicts, raising questions about the role of tradition in modern identity.
The casting of FeiFei is another highlight. Kexin Wang, just seven years old at the time, was discovered through an extensive casting process that prioritized natural family interactions. ‘I always want to use real people,’ Jian explains, a philosophy that adds authenticity to the film. Interestingly, Wang’s mother, who helped improvise scenes, runs a restaurant near Heathrow—a detail they initially kept to themselves. And this is where it gets even more fascinating: the script evolved significantly after casting, shifting from a first-generation immigrant story to one about a second-generation child, deeply integrated into Welsh life yet connected to her Chinese roots.
The film’s symbolism is rich, particularly the interplay between fish and dragons in Chinese culture. While Jian isn’t deeply religious, she acknowledges the pervasive presence of such motifs in Chinese life, where fish symbolize aspiration and dragons represent transformation. Yet, she questions the relevance of these tales in today’s world, a skepticism mirrored by FeiFei’s character.
As for what’s next, Jian hints at brewing feature ideas, though she admits she’s not a fast writer. In the meantime, Under the Wave off Little Dragon stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultures and challenging assumptions. But here’s the question for you: In a world where traditions often clash with modernity, do folklore and symbolism still hold meaning? Or are they relics of a bygone era? Let’s discuss in the comments—your thoughts could spark the next great conversation.
