The 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) opened in Sanya on Wednesday night, blending cinematic artistry with the tropical island's cultural identity. Held under the theme "Ocean-born Visions, Boundless Light and Shadow," the ceremony featured a stage design mimicking rolling waves, symbolizing Hainan's maritime heritage and global connectivity.
Highlights included traditional Hainan song and dance performances, the introduction of the Golden Coconut Award jury panel, and appearances by prominent film industry representatives. The event coincides with final preparations for the Hainan Free Trade Port's upcoming special customs operations, set to begin island-wide in mid-December 2025.
Organizers emphasized the festival's dual role in showcasing international cinema while highlighting Hainan's evolving status as a cultural and economic hub. The timing positions the event as both a celebration of film and a precursor to the island's anticipated trade policy transformations.
