In a celebration of cinema and cultural exchange, the 5th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) opened its doors on December 16 in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. The festival commenced with the Asian premiere of “The Other Laurens,” a detective thriller directed by Belgian filmmaker Claude Schmitz. The screening took place at the 1+X Mangrove Tree Cinema, drawing a multitude of film enthusiasts eager to partake in the festival’s inaugural event.
Schmitz’s “The Other Laurens” was nominated in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, and its selection as the opening film underscores HIIFF’s commitment to showcasing outstanding international cinema. The film weaves a compelling narrative around Gabriel, a private detective who delves into the mysterious death of his niece’s father. As the investigation unfolds, Gabriel confronts haunting memories and becomes entangled in a case that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
Drawing inspiration from his formative years in boarding school, Schmitz was influenced by cinematic legends such as Ingmar Bergman and Akira Kurosawa. His fascination with the masculine energy prevalent in 1980s cinema, especially films starring Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal, significantly shaped the creation of “The Other Laurens.”
The film artfully blends tough-guy black humor with contemporary audiovisual elements, offering audiences a unique and engaging cinematic experience. Its selection for the festival’s opening night highlights the diverse range of films featured at HIIFF, which aims to foster cultural exchange and promote international collaboration within the film industry.
As the festival continues, attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of films, workshops, and events that celebrate the art of filmmaking from across Asia and around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
