What began as a dream while studying business in Chongqing has led Beninese actress Alazi Soumaila Rawdoth, also known by her Chinese name Mulan, to co-star alongside top Chinese performers in the major film release Formed Police Unit.
Directed by Hong Kong director and choreographer Lee Tat-Chiu and starring Huang Jingyu and Wang Yibo, Formed Police Unit was a highlight of China’s Labor Day holiday releases. By Thursday afternoon this week, the film ranked third on China’s box-office chart, according to tracking website Maoyan, earning over 436 million yuan (around US$60 million) in just nine days.
Rawdoth portrays Selina’s mother, a woman who endures the tragic loss of her husband, brother, and son during an attack on her village. Set in a West African country, the story follows Chinese peacekeeping officers who assist Rawdoth’s character and her surviving family as they journey to court to testify about the atrocities she witnessed.
“She’s the most important witness to the killing of the people in the village,” Rawdoth explained. “My character was there, she saw everything that happened… The Chinese peacekeepers want to take her to court in another village to testify.”
Her role in the film signifies a bridging of cultures and highlights the growing connections between African talent and Chinese cinema. Rawdoth’s journey from a business student to a rising film star exemplifies the opportunities that emerge when diverse stories are shared on an international stage.
The success of Formed Police Unit reflects not only the strength of China’s film industry but also its commitment to incorporating global perspectives. For audiences around the world, Rawdoth’s performance offers an inspiring narrative of resilience and the pursuit of dreams across borders.
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Beninese actress shines in Chinese movie 'Formed Police Unit'
cgtn.com
