Core Viewpoint - The event "Seeking Light Night" at the Xu Jia Hui Academy celebrates the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, combining reading and film experiences for attendees [2][3]. Group 1: Event Overview - The "Seeking Light Night" carnival took place during the Shanghai Book Fair, transforming the Xu Jia Hui Academy into an immersive space celebrating the history of Chinese cinema [2]. - The event featured a special exhibition titled "Picking Light and Shadow," showcasing the history of film companies, personalities, and related architecture in the Xu Hui area [2]. - Attendees engaged in interactive experiences related to film, making them both spectators and participants in the cinematic journey [2]. Group 2: Special Features - The event highlighted four films with Xu Hui elements, including "Havoc in Heaven," "Good Things," "Postal Affection," and "Nie Er," connecting different floors of the academy [2]. - A dedicated area for "San Mao," a character created by Zhang Le Ping, was set up for children, featuring activities like kite flying and storytelling sessions [3]. - The theme of the event aimed to showcase the diverse possibilities of reading, likening the academy to a "moonlight treasure box" that radiates the light of reading [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the enduring impact of Zhang LePing's "Sanmao" character, particularly through the work "Sanmao Joins the Army," which reflects the social and historical context of wartime China and resonates with multiple generations of readers [3][4][5]. Group 1: Historical Context - "Sanmao" was created in 1935 as a mischievous boy living in Shanghai, evolving over time to reflect the changing societal landscape, especially during the Second Sino-Japanese War [3]. - In 1937, the Shanghai cartoon community formed a propaganda team for anti-Japanese efforts, with Zhang LePing actively participating in promoting national consciousness through his art [3]. Group 2: Artistic Significance - "Sanmao Joins the Army" is noted for its unique approach as the first long-form wordless comic in modern Chinese history, using a small character's experiences to convey broader themes of war's absurdity and cruelty [4]. - The comic employs black humor and visual storytelling to evoke deep emotional responses, making the character of Sanmao a shared emotional memory for the public [4]. Group 3: Cultural Impact - The recent exhibition "Not Betraying the Country's Trust - Revisiting the 'Sanmao Joins the Army' Photo Exhibition" at the Shanghai Ba Jin Library attracted significant public interest, underscoring the character's lasting appeal [5]. - The dedication and patriotic spirit of early artists like Zhang LePing serve as an inspiration for contemporary comic creators, emphasizing the importance of genuine artistic expression and social responsibility [5].