Beninese actress Alazi Soumaila Rawdoth, affectionately nicknamed "Mulan" in China, is forging a fresh China-Africa narrative on screen. For this rising star, laughter was her passport, and Jackie Chan her first guide to cinema from the Chinese mainland.
Growing up in Benin, Rawdoth was drawn to the high-energy action and lighthearted humor of Jackie Chan's films. "I laughed my way through every scene," she recalls, noting how comedy broke down language barriers and sparked her curiosity about a culture half a world away.
That early fascination led her to learn Mandarin and explore acting roles in the Chinese mainland. She describes comedy as her bridge to a new language and a new home, where on-screen performances became acts of cultural exchange. Today, Rawdoth uses her platform to highlight shared stories and build meaningful China-Africa connections.
Her journey reflects a growing wave of cross-border collaborations that resonate with young global audiences. As cultural ambassador, Rawdoth proves that humor and storytelling can unite diverse communities and inspire fresh perspectives on both sides of the world.
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Beninese actress Alazi Soumaila Rawdoth shares her China film journey
cgtn.com
