The 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival concluded this week with German-Georgian production Dry Leaf emerging as a standout contender for the Golden Coconut Award for Best Narrative Feature. As one of 100+ films screened during the December 2025 event, the drama attracted particular attention for its artistic vision and cross-cultural appeal.
During a post-screening discussion moderated by CGTN's Liu Mohan, producers Mariam Shatberashvili and Louise Hauschild praised Chinese cinema enthusiasts' sophisticated engagement. "The depth of questions about our visual metaphors and character development surprised us," Hauschild remarked. "This festival proves China's audiences are hungry for diverse storytelling beyond commercial blockbusters."
Industry analysts note the December 8-15 event reinforces Hainan's position as a hub for international cultural exchange. With attendance figures up 18% from 2024, the festival continues bridging global filmmakers with Asia's largest movie market while showcasing China's evolving cinematic tastes.
