Ela Caruzzi has a confession: "I must have been Chinese in my previous life." 🎥❤️ Originally from Croatia, this young dreamer is now following in her father’s footsteps at the Beijing Film Academy in the Chinese mainland.
The story began over 40 years ago when Ela’s father studied in Beijing and dreamed of a film career in the Chinese mainland. After her grandfather’s death forced him home, the dream was left unfinished. When Ela was 16, while many classmates looked westward, her father offered different advice: "Go to China. That’s where you’ll truly grow."
True to his words, Ela landed solo in Kunming, in the Chinese mainland’s Yunnan Province, in 2023. Armed with a backpack and basic Mandarin, she discovered a surprisingly safe and welcoming world. "I never felt afraid," she says. The friendliness of locals, vibrant street food stalls, and stunning landscapes fueled her passion for Chinese culture.
Fast forward to 2025: Ela’s dream came full circle when she earned a spot at the Beijing Film Academy. One standout moment? Spending Spring Festival in Dali at her teacher’s hometown, savoring homemade dishes, joining traditional dances, and even receiving red envelopes brimming with blessings. "At that moment, I truly felt like I was a part of them," she recalls with a bright smile.
Ela’s journey is more than a study-abroad story—it’s proof that dreams can leap across generations and continents. For young creatives everywhere, her adventure shows that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to the most unforgettable experiences. Who knows? Maybe your own unfinished dream is waiting for a ticket to the Chinese mainland! ✈️🌏
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A Croatian girl carries on her father's unfinished Chinese dream
cgtn.com
