«Up, Up and Away» by Kai Yin Canice Tam

Kai Yin Canice Tam’s latest short film, “Up, Up and Away,” winner of a Silver Award at The 10th Microfilm Production Support Scheme (MPSS), offers a poignant look at childhood, isolation, and the liberating power of imagination. The film follows TszChun, a shy boy whose closest confidant is his toy astronaut. The real journey takes flight during a school performance about space exploration, where the lines between fantasy and reality blur. This allows TszChun—and the audience—to embark on an emotionally engaging interstellar adventure.

Despite his young age, Jarvis Chan exhibits remarkable acting maturity, capturing TszChun’s shyness and emotional depth naturally. His performance is central to conveying the character’s loneliness and his gradual discovery of self-esteem through the imaginary space journey. His ability to navigate between moments of pure childhood joy and intense internal reflections adds a level of authenticity and pathos to the film.

The script effectively balances dialogue and silence, allowing the young protagonist’s expressions to speak for themselves, accompanied by a touching and engaging soundtrack. The sparing use of dialogue, in favor of music, emphasizes TszChun’s inner world, while his few words are loaded with meaning.

Tam’s direction elevates this narrative to something special, skillfully alternating between the protagonist’s daily reality and his colorful fantasies. “Up, Up and Away” concludes with a powerful resolution, as TszChun finally finds his voice and path, inspired by the stars that shine brightest in his darkest moments. This metaphorical and literal journey deeply touches the audience, reminding us of the power of dreams and the importance of following our unique paths.

With this work, Tam’s training in film and intercultural studies is evident in the meticulous construction of the story, which resonates with universal themes like loneliness, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. The director sensitively captures TszChun’s innocence and pain, highlighting his inner growth through excellent cinematography.

“Up, Up and Away” is not just a must-watch short film but an exciting journey that reminds us how important it is to dare to discover our place in the universe.