An array of engaging sideline events of the Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) are drawing hordes of film buffs from across the country to experience the joy and create lasting memories on the resort island.
At the picturesque Luhuitou Scenic Area, one of the four venues for the Golden Coconut Carnival, visitors can watch free outdoor movies while enjoy amazing sunsets and refreshing sea breezes. There are also open-air music shows and interesting games catering to various tastes.
"I find the atmosphere here quite convivial. The film festival is getting better year by year. This year at Luhuitou there are some sites and stalls with interactive projects and popular photo spots. There are also romantic outdoor movies screened to the public. I think all of these are nice," said Ye Jing, a tourist.
"Today I also took photos of the sunset. It was very beautiful. You can watch the movie while admiring the sunset," said Li Tingjun, another tourist.
As the previous editions, this year's film festival also includes a 'masterclass' session, where renowned Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, chairman of the Golden Coconut Awards jury, was invited to exchange views with other filmmakers and share his insights into the industry. He said the HIIFF will reshape Hainan's cultural atmosphere and have a more promising future.
First held in 2018, the Hainan Island International Film Festival is one of Hainan's first series of projects in building the southernmost province into a pilot free trade zone and a free trade port.
The fifth HIIFF kicked off on Saturday and will run until Dec 22.