Interview with Aviva Wang

Aviva is a former member at Faust International Youth Theatre, and has since then been involved in many staged productions. In 2018, Aviva appeared with her family in in the BBC documentary, Wonders of the Moon. More recently, she featured in Emily Ting’s semi-autobiographical comedy, Go Back To China.

Aviva Wang (center) at the Asian Premiere of "Go Back To China"

“Be perseverant and don’t give up even when the job feels very strenuous.”

Hello Aviva! Congratulations on making your feature film debut! How does it feel knowing you’re in a film as a major character?

Thank you! I have to thank Faust for fueling my passion in acting. It feels extremely exciting and unbelievable to be playing a main character in a movie.

Tell us in your own words what the film is about. 

“Go Back to China” is the story of a spoiled rich Chinese-American girl who, after cut off from her trust fund, is forced to return to China to work for her father’s toy business. As she slowly adapts to life in China, she experiences many cultural clashes as well as complicated family relationships with her father and his three other children from different wives.

Who is your character?

 

My role in the film is Dior Li, the younger half-sister of the main character. She is about 10 years old, and is upset and insecure about her father not making an effort to be involved in her life.

What expectations did you have in making this film and were they met?

I had a lot of experience in theatre, so I expected the experience to be more like theatre acting. But acting onstage and acting onscreen are very different, since the close-up perspective of acting on film requires more subtle, natural expressions and gestures. Also, acting onscreen was different because it required many takes to get the right shot, from different angles, perspectives, and delivery.

Did you know who the other actors were and were you familiar with their work?

Yes. I was familiar with Anna Akana, an actress, comedian and Youtuber who played the main character in the film. I was also familiar with Richard Ng, a famous Hong Kong actor who played my father in the film. I knew Kelly Hu, who played the main character’s mother in the film, from voicing “Stacy” on “Phineas and Ferb”, my all-time favorite animated television series. It is incredible that I got to work in the same film as these people!

Anna Akana and Richard Ng in "Go Back To China"

You performed in one of the more dramatic scenes in the film - what was it like playing such an emotionally powerful scene on film?

It was emotionally exhausting. Unlike theatre, where you only get one shot to ace the acting, I had to deliver my lines with the same amount of emotion until we got the perfect shot. It took a few tries to let the character’s thoughts and feelings sync with my mind.

How did your previous training help you prepare for performance? 

My previous training in acting helped me in being confident and giving it my all on set. I knew how to portray a character as if I were them, and communicate their story to the audience. I knew how to interact with other characters, and to convey my thoughts and emotions through my voice, body and facial expressions.

What were some of your favourite moments from making the film?

My favorite moments were meeting the talented cast and crew, and seeing all the big cameras and microphones around me, as I felt very awed, and professional.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with others who are interested in making films?

My advice would be: Be perseverant and don’t give up even when the job feels very strenuous. Be prepared to be flexible on set, and give yourself time for your character's identity and story to settle in your mind.

Thank you very much for your answers and congratulations again on a wonderful film!

Aviva and Richard Ng at the Asian Premiere of "Go Back To China"