Symbolizing Migrant Marginality and Intergenerational Identity. A Case Study of Chinas

Abstract

In recent years, Spanish cinema has shown increasing interest in migration narratives, reflecting the cultural diversity of contemporary society. However, the representation of Asian immigrants – particularly those of Chinese origin–remains scarce. This study examines Chinas (Arantxa Echevarría, 2023) through a qualitative textual film analysis to explore the depiction of marginal subjects and the intergenerational construction of identity within the migratory context. Drawing on Homi Bhabha’s concept of the “third space,” the analysis reveals how the film employs verbal and non-verbal signs to portray the tension between Chinese cultural traditions and integration into Spanish society. The findings highlight Chinas as a significant yet limited step toward visibility, portraying a hybrid identity that exposes both the challenges and constraints of representing the Chinese community in contemporary Spanish cinema.