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FIU Panel Discussion and Film Screening

Explore the Novel "To Live by Yu Hua" with FIU Panelists

Program to include Author Spotlights, unpacking of "To Live", deep dive into themes, favorite excerpts and audience Q&A.

The Broward public library, a grantee of NEA BIG READ program, proudly invites you to a captivating event with a panel of faculty from FIU and MDC exploring Yu Hua's riveting novel, "To Live," and its critically acclaimed film adaptation. This internationally acclaimed book offers a compelling look into the resilience and tribulations of Fugui, a man whose life story unfolds against the backdrop of China’s most tumultuous historical epochs, including the Cultural Revolution. A literary gem, "To Live" has been awarded the Bing Xin Literary Award, a prestigious recognition within Chinese literature, and lauded globally for its profound humanity that resonates universally. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the film adaption brings the novel's narrative to life with stark realism and emotional depth. It has garnered international praise, winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring a panel of cultural insiders who bring unique perspectives on both the novel and film adaptation of "To Live." Our panelists include professors specializing in modern Chinese literature, cross-cultural studies and writing studies, each possessing insights into the historical contexts and themes portrayed in Yu Hua’s work. This panel will unpack the beauty and significance of "To Live," offering attendees an in-depth appreciation of this literary and cinematic gem. This event is free to the public, and limited copies of the novel will be available at no cost. Celebrate a work that transcends cultural boundaries and offers a vivid portrait of human endurance and transformation.

Dr. Shenggao Wang is currently Associate Teaching Professor of Chinese in the Department of Modern Languages and Asian Studies Program at Florida International University (FIU).

Dr. Li Ma is a Teaching Professor of Chinese at Florida International University. She coordinates the Chinese Program under Modern Languages Department and Asian Studies. She also directs the summer study abroad program in Taiwan where students studying Chinese get to explore local culture and flavors. She has been proudly serving FIU and the Chinese Language Teachers Association for 18 years. 

Dr. Ming Fang is currently a Teaching Professor in the English department and an Associate Director for the Writing Across the Curriculum program at Florida International University. Acknowledged as a Notable Global Learning Faculty, she champions a global literary perspective and is committed to broadening students' literary horizons. 

Dr. Xuejun “Jim” Yu is Chairperson of World Languages Department at Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus, and a Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific Heritage Committee at MDC Wolfson Campus.  He joined MDC in 2010 as Director of the Chinese language and culture program and has been serving as a Board Member of the Asian American Advisory Board of Miami Dade County since 2013. 

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.