source:Discover Shaanxi editor:张怡馨
Three foreign actors, Vearnest, Christopher and Stepan, hail from the United States, Canada, and Russia, respectively, and they have spent considerable time living in Shaanxi. Though they have different backgrounds: a musician, an English teacher, and an international student, they share a common passion for film. During the interviews, they recounted their deep connections to filmmaking and the extended cultural exchange they contributed to. Their stories illustrate the charm and significance of cultural exchange, as well as their love for Chinese culture and their bonding with Xi'an. These foreign actors' experiences showcase the beauty of diverse cultural interactions and increasing international talents in Xi'an's film industry.
Vearnest McCellan is from Chicago, Illinois, United States, and he is an actor, music artist, martial artist, boxer, actor and educator.
As a martial arts enthusiast, he has studied Chinese kung fu for over 10 years and also worked in China for many years. Now he has settled in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Though with language difficulties in the early times, he now built up his network in the film industry. Vearnest continues to polish himself, exploring the meaning of film. As a foreign actor who has long lived in Shaanxi, Vearnest hopes to break cultural boundaries through his efforts and works.
Christopher Walsh from Canada is an English teacher, a father, a sports enthusiast, and an actor. Christopher has been living in Xi'an for almost 5 years. He now works as an English teacher at Xi'an Liangjiatan International School and participates in various film and advertising projects. Since Christopher joined the movie Born to Fly, his son has regarded him as an "aerial combat hero", which makes him particularly proud.
Now living in China, he hopes to become a window for Canadian friends to understand China. More importantly, he wishes to showcase the development potential of the Chinese film and television industry to more international friends through his work. Let's hear his stories!
Stepan Malinin from Russia is an international student who has been living in China for nearly 8 years, and he is also an actor.
From being a "Rookie Actor" to entering the set of The Wandering Earth II, Stepan, an optimistic and proactive young man, tackled the challenges step by step, opened himself up to make friends, adapted to the local culture, and thus gained more opportunities for performances.
In his view, many Chinese films have received favorable reviews in the international film market in recent years. He hopes to settle in Xi'an for long-term development and build a cultural bridge between China and Russia.