In a remarkable display of cultural pride and community spirit, Chinese residents in the United States have taken it upon themselves to ensure that the blockbuster film "Ne Zha 2" receives the recognition it deserves on American soil. Despite its limited international success, this animated feature has captivated audiences domestically, earning approximately $2 billion and surpassing "Inside Out 2" as the highest-grossing animated film ever. A recent Saturday afternoon saw over 100 attendees gathering at an IMAX theater near Baltimore for a special screening organized by local volunteers. Attendees included students, young professionals, families, and enthusiasts dressed as characters from the movie, all contributing to an event filled with traditional Chinese elements such as scrolls, tickets styled like paintings, and cosplay outfits.

Originating from a 400-year-old tale titled "Creation of the Gods," Ne Zha is a cherished mythical figure in Chinese culture—a youthful deity renowned for mischief and valor. When Sun Bohan, a 27-year-old student in Baltimore, encountered difficulties securing an IMAX screening due to competition with "Captain America: Brave New World," he turned to social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and WeChat to rally support. His initiative quickly attracted over 100 participants who contributed their unique talents to make the event a success. Raye Xia, an avid fan of manga, anime, and games, designed custom tickets featuring Ne Zha amidst Washington's cherry blossoms, while Hoff Xu crafted her own costume using copper wire and recycled materials until the early hours of the morning.

This grassroots movement extends beyond Maryland, reaching cities like Indianapolis, Boston, and New York. In New York, Ma Ruoyuan collaborated with a friend to organize two screenings that accommodated 600 individuals. Their efforts exemplified democratic principles, allowing participants to vote on pricing structures within chat groups. According to IMAX Corp., the high demand necessitates studios booking screens months, if not a year, in advance. Nevertheless, "Ne Zha 2" managed to secure 80 screens on February 12, expanding to 110 after "Captain America" concluded its run.

Within China, "Ne Zha 2" carries significant patriotic weight, prompting various organizations—from internet influencers to governmental bodies—to host exclusive screenings for their followers and employees. For instance, police officers in Shandong province were dispatched to watch the film to reinforce their commitment to justice, while the Sichuan provincial government provided financial backing as part of an art-based poverty alleviation program.

Beyond celebrating cinematic achievement, these gatherings serve as vital connections for Chinese communities navigating post-pandemic life amidst rising hostility towards immigrants in the U.S. As Belinda He, an assistant professor specializing in Sinophone cinema, observes, the emotional bonds forged through shared experiences often outweigh the film's aesthetic appeal. For Sun Bohan, the journey underscored the power of collaboration among diaspora members striving to preserve their cultural heritage. Starting as a lone individual, his vision blossomed into a collective endeavor supported by diverse talents, proving that unity can amplify cultural visibility and foster belonging in unfamiliar territories.