01
First Day Screenings
Opens to a Packed House
The first screening today comes from the Asian Horizon section: Slow Lorises Never Cry, the new work by Vietnamese director Pham Ngoc Lam. The film tells the story of a woman who returns to Vietnam with her husband's ashes, living under the same roof with her niece yet each keeping to their own world. The black-and-white cinematography enhances the visual depth and emotional tension of the film, weaving Asian culture into the narrative through delicate visual language to explore the themes of loneliness and emotional bonds. After the screening, rounds of applause echoed through the theater, expressing the audience's appreciation for the film.
Also worth noting are two films from the Premiere section: Razzmatazz and Lazzaro's Night. Both are making their Asian debuts and received high praise from the audiences attending the screenings that day. Directed by Vincent Grashow, Razzmatazz tells the story of retired boxer Bernard Rozewski, who, after reconnecting with his long-lost grandson, decides to try his hand at becoming a boxing coach. Directed by Nicolás Pereda, Lazzaro's Night follows three close friends who reunite to reminisce about the past while participating in an audition, leading to subtle shifts in their interactions.
02
Open-Air Screening · Animation Special
Starts Today!
The Open-Air Screening animation special also kicks off tonight at Sanya Summer Station. The opening day film is White Snake: The Origin, the first installment of the White Snake series by Light Chaser Animation. Inspired by Chinese folklore, this animated film features a traditional Chinese aesthetic and tells the touching love story between the white snake (Blanca) and a mortal named Xuanxuan that transcends boundaries five hundred years ago, offering the audience a beautiful and unforgettable audiovisual feast beneath the island's starry sky.
At the same time, the Animation Creation 100 animated short film exhibition launches today. It features a thematic exhibition of manuscript images from 100 outstanding domestic animated shorts, as well as screenings of these films. Everyone is welcome to attend!
A thematic exhibition displaying manuscript images of 100 outstanding domestic animated shorts is set up on the 1st to 3rd floors of the Sanya Summer Station shopping mall. In addition, the corresponding original animated films will be screened at the Xingyue Cinema Hub in Sanya Summer Station on December 6 and 7. We hope that through the expressions and creations of these young animators, the audience can feel the diversity and vitality of Chinese animation. You are welcome to come and experience it in person. (Learn more: Enter a Fantasy World, the Animation Creation 100 Series of Events is Here!)
03
Film Derivatives Exhibition
The highly anticipated Film Derivatives Exhibition officially debuted today. In addition to the official cultural and creative products of the Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF), well-known film distribution companies such as Huaxia Film Cultural and Creative brought highly commemorative signed collectible cards from stars or directors, as well as various cultural and creative products based on film IPs. This exhibition covers a wide range of film-related books, bookmarks, and cards. In particular, the cultural and creative exhibition of Harry Potter derivatives was a huge thrill for fans. Meanwhile, LEGO's co-branded products with Marvel and Disney also drew considerable attention. These products are rarely seen on the market on normal days, and this exhibition provides a rare purchasing opportunity for the audience.
It is reported that this Film Derivatives Exhibition will last for 6 days, from December 4 to December 9. Throughout the festival, all merchandise will be available at a discount. It is worth mentioning that many limited-edition items, such as cards personally signed by directors or stars, will be exhibited and sold during the event. In addition, the exhibition will feature daily special sales to attract more visitors to stop and make a purchase.
