At the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) this December, German director Julian Radlmaier and Russian producer Kirill Krasovski shared insights about cinema's unifying power during an exclusive interview with CGTN. Their Golden Coconut Awards–nominated film Phantoms of July has become a bridge for cultural dialogue, drawing attention to China's growing role in global filmmaking.
"What we create in Berlin or Moscow resonates equally in Hainan," Radlmaier told journalists, emphasizing storytelling's universal language. Both first-time visitors praised the festival's diverse lineup and Chinese audiences' enthusiastic engagement with international narratives.
Krasovski highlighted emerging opportunities: "The energy here makes us discuss co-productions seriously." Industry analysts note HIIFF 2025 has facilitated 32% more cross-border partnership discussions compared to last year, signaling Asia's expanding influence in creative industries.
With 45 countries represented this year, the festival continues strengthening cultural diplomacy through cinema while showcasing Hainan's development as an international arts hub.
