During the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival, the French film Nino became one of the highlights of the Golden Coconut Awards competition. After its screening, the film’s cast and crew were greeted by an unexpectedly large crowd of Chinese movie lovers eager to ask questions, share interpretations and express their admiration. The exchange event quickly transformed into one of the most engaging sessions of the festival, showing just how deeply international storytelling can resonate with Chinese audiences. For Salomé Dewaels, the film’s lead actress, this warm response left a lasting impression as she embarked on her first ever visit to Hainan.
Discovering a Passionate Audience in China
In a conversation with CGTN after the screening, Dewaels described her excitement at witnessing the energy of Chinese viewers. She said she had been told that audiences in China were expressive and curious, but the interaction surpassed her expectations. Many viewers stayed long after the credits rolled, eager to learn more about the emotional journey behind Nino, the creative process and the challenges of portraying complex characters. Dewaels said she felt touched by the sincerity of the questions and the thoughtful way Chinese viewers engaged with the film’s themes. Their reactions made her feel that cinema truly has the power to bring people together across cultures.
A Festival That Encourages Artistic Exchange
Dewaels also spoke about her experience at the Hainan Island International Film Festival as a whole. She praised the event for its openness, saying it fosters an environment where filmmakers from different parts of the world can connect and learn from one another. She added that Hainan’s natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to celebrate film. Throughout the festival, she met creators from Asia, Europe and beyond, exchanging ideas about performance styles, visual storytelling and the evolving role of cinema in today’s fast changing world. For her, this gathering of voices and perspectives is what keeps the art form alive and evolving.
Reflecting on Her Journey with Nino
When asked about her role in Nino, Dewaels shared that the film required her to dive deeply into emotional terrain. She said the character’s journey is shaped by vulnerability, courage and self discovery, and portraying her demanded sensitivity and introspection. Seeing Chinese viewers connect so strongly with the film reaffirmed her belief that stories rooted in personal emotions can resonate universally. She felt grateful that audiences appreciated not only the narrative but also the artistic choices behind its direction, cinematography and performances. Dewaels said the screening in Hainan reminded her why she chose to pursue acting in the first place.
Looking Ahead to Future Collaborations
The enthusiasm she encountered in China has already sparked curiosity in Dewaels about working with Chinese filmmakers in the future. She said that the openness of Chinese audiences reflects a broader cultural appreciation for storytelling, which makes China an inspiring place for artistic exploration. She expressed interest in returning to Hainan and hopes to collaborate with Asian directors in upcoming projects. Her experience at HIIFF showed her that film festivals are not only celebrations of cinema but also bridges connecting creative communities around the world.
As she reflected on her time in Hainan, Dewaels said she would remember the kindness of the fans, the depth of their questions and the joy they brought to the Nino screening. For her, the festival was more than a promotional event. It was a reminder of how film can transcend borders and create moments of shared humanity. She left the island feeling grateful, inspired and eager to return.
