The 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival brought together filmmakers, producers and audiences from around the world, showcasing more than one hundred films across a wide range of genres and artistic styles. Among the standout works was Dry Leaf, a film nominated for the prestigious Golden Coconut Award for Best Narrative Feature. The film drew a full audience during its screening and was followed by a lively question and answer session that reflected the growing enthusiasm of Chinese moviegoers for international cinema.
During the session, CGTN reporter Liu Mohan spoke with Mariam Shatberashvili and Louise Hauschild, the German producers behind the film. Both expressed deep appreciation for the reception they received in China and highlighted how meaningful it was to see viewers so engaged with their work. They explained that the Chinese audience brought a unique energy to the screening, with many viewers responding thoughtfully to the film’s visual style, emotional themes and storytelling techniques.
Shatberashvili noted that the audience reaction demonstrated how quickly the Chinese film market is evolving. She explained that as the industry grows, viewers are becoming more open to artistic and experimental works, particularly those that explore human relationships and social issues with depth and subtlety. She said that this makes China an exciting place to premiere films that may not fit the traditional commercial mold but offer strong artistic expression.
Hauschild echoed this view and said that participating in the Hainan festival felt significant because it gives filmmakers from different cultures a space to connect directly with audiences. She added that the festival is not only a celebration of cinema but also a bridge that allows international creators to better understand the preferences and interests of Chinese viewers. According to her, this kind of interaction enriches the filmmaking process and encourages producers to consider new cultural perspectives.
Dry Leaf, which blends intimate storytelling with atmospheric cinematography, resonated strongly with viewers who asked questions about the creative process, the characters and the technical aspects of filming. The producers described this engagement as one of the most rewarding moments of their festival experience. They emphasized that such responses are essential for filmmakers who want to reach global audiences and refine their craft.
The Hainan Island International Film Festival has been expanding its influence each year, and the Golden Coconut Award continues to grow in international recognition. The festival’s commitment to highlighting diverse voices and supporting artistic films has helped it become a key platform for emerging directors and producers seeking global visibility. For many filmmakers, Hainan represents an opportunity to connect with one of the most dynamic and fast growing cinema markets in the world.
As the festival concluded, Shatberashvili and Hauschild expressed optimism for future collaborations in China and said they hope to return with new projects. Their experience reinforced the idea that Chinese audiences are playing an increasingly important role in shaping global film culture.
