The 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival opens

The 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival, co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the People's Government of Hainan Province, kicked off on Friday evening in Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province.

Liu Xiaoming, deputy secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee and governor of the province, as well as chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival, delivered a speech and announced the opening of the festival. Fan Yun, deputy editor-in-chief of CMG and editor-in-chief of CGTN, also gave a speech at the opening ceremony. 

Attendees also included other government officials from Hainan and representatives from countries and regions such as Russia, France, Spain, Hungary and Austria.

In his speech, Liu said that modern China is steadily transitioning from being a major film producer to becoming a film powerhouse. Hainan Province has consistently viewed the development of the film industry as a key component in enhancing the cultural identity of the province, he added. The film festival is seen as a forward-looking initiative for the development of Hainan's Free Trade Port, aiming to establish itself as a core platform for artistic exchange, a significant window for international engagement and a symbol of China's cultural charm, he noted.

Liu also pointed out that in recent years, Hainan has adhered to the concept of "year-round screenings, island-wide participation, public involvement and full industry chain coverage" in organizing the festival, which has led to an annual increase in its international recognition, authority and influence. This year's festival exhibits a stronger international atmosphere, with emerging new forces and a richer participation experience, he said.

Liu added that Hainan will strive to promote the prosperity of the entire film industry chain, with a resolute commitment to building this film festival into an everlasting "super brand" in the future.

In his speech, Fan stated that the Hainan Island International Film Festival has become a brilliant stage for cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations.

"CMG has also planned various screening activities such as Spanish Film Week and ASEAN Unit. These films are rich in themes, and it seems that they can take the audience into a living room of light and shadow where diverse civilizations coexist, where the souls blend together while watching and the emotions resonate while listening," Fan said.

Film is a product of innovation and a perfect fusion of thought, art and technology, he noted. CMG actively promotes the 5G+4K/8K+AI strategy and uses intelligent technology to drive changes in the film and television industry, Fan added.

"There is no end to innovation, and the future has arrived. Meet the challenges and follow the trends. Smart technology will become the most cutting-edge way to tell human stories, opening up broader prospects for the development of the film industry," Fan noted.

Themed "From Oceans, with Visions," the film festival has received a total of 4,330 submissions from 117 countries and regions, with international films accounting for over 70 percent of the total.

The international jury president for this film festival edition is French filmmaker Luc Besson. French actress Sophie Marceau has been specially invited as an ambassador to the festival, while Chinese actor Ge You is the New Year ambassador. 

The film festival will end on December 10, with 10 major awards, including the Best Film Award and the Best Director Award, to be announced on the concluding day.