An American actor who spent time in China filming a series of micro-dramas has highlighted the role of people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding between China and the United States, drawing on his own experiences of how genuine friendship and everyday kindness can help narrow cultural gaps.
Kyle Fragnoli shared his personal experiences of staying in China to shoot vertically structured short-form dramas -- an increasingly popular form of entertainment which is filmed specifically to target mobile phone users.
In a recent interview with the China Media Group (CMG), Fragnoli recalled his time in China working on these made-for-mobile TV series, recalling his warm interactions with local residents and describing their openness and hospitality.
"When you take the governments away and you just leave the Chinese and American people to each other, especially the younger generation, I think we get along like two peas in a pod. All the wonderful people that I met in China are so friendly, they're so kind. They really showed me how to live when I couldn't do it myself. We're talking about helping me how to order off of a menu because I can't read Chinese and showing me how to operate little things like getting through an airport and train station. So Chinese folks, especially the young, are incredibly hospitable, incredibly friendly," he said.
Fragnoli also recounted more memorable moments including his heartwarming cultural exchanges with Chinese children who were eager to practice English with him, describing such encounters as a vivid reflection of the growing curiosity and openness among the younger generation.
He said these interactions have deepened his appreciation for Chinese culture and inspired him to share what he learned upon returning to the United States, where he has witnessed Chinese traditions increasingly embraced by local communities.
"A lot of kids -- this was cute -- a lot of little ones, six and younger would like come running up to me and trying to practice their English with their proud moms like behind them, like giving them a double thumbs-up and being so proud that her child is speaking great English. And it was always such a really cool experience for me. And likewise, going back to the States and bringing what I've learned from China has been a really rewarding opportunity for me. [I'm grateful] that I get to appreciate small things like the Chinese New Year, which was really wonderful, getting to see how that blended in with America. So I can't wait to see how close we get in the future, especially all things [related] to verticals (dramas)," said Fragnoli.
Ties between China and the U.S. are in the spotlight this week as U.S. President Donald Trump will pay a state visit to China from May 13-15 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first visit by a U.S. president in nine years.
US actor shares personal experiences of working in China, highlights people-to-people exchanges
