Overseas Chinese residents in California and Houston, Texas, took part in an essay competition held in Jiangsu Province, according to a report by 紫牛新闻. The contest was inspired by the Chinese film Letter to Grandma (《给阿嬷的情书》), which has continued to stir feelings of homesickness among Chinese communities abroad.
紫牛新闻 reports that the competition, organized in Jiangsu, drew participation from Chinese nationals living in the United States. The film, which centers on themes of family and nostalgia, has resonated with overseas audiences, prompting their engagement with the writing event. The report did not specify the number of participants or the exact dates of the contest.
The film itself has gained broader attention beyond mainland China. According to Sohu, Letter to Grandma recently opened in North American theaters, expanding its reach to Chinese diaspora viewers. Additional coverage from QQ News notes that props and historical documents related to the film, including qiaopi (letters and remittances sent by overseas Chinese to their families), are slated for a nationwide touring exhibition. These items highlight the cultural and historical ties between Chinese emigrants and their hometowns.
The film’s director, Lan Hongchun, has also discussed the importance of telling local stories with confidence, as reported by Sina Finance. His comments, tied to the film’s success in his native Shantou, underscore a broader push to bring regional narratives to wider audiences. Meanwhile, academic interest in overseas Chinese culture remains active, with Professor Li Minghuan recently lecturing on qiaopi, hometowns, and diaspora heritage, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
As the essay contest continues to draw responses from abroad, observers will watch whether the film’s touring exhibition and related events further deepen engagement among overseas Chinese communities.
