Lights, camera, Sanya! Island film festival returns

The seventh Hainan Island International Film Festival will be held from Dec 3 to 9 in Sanya, transforming the tropical coastal city into a vibrant hub of cinematic celebrations.

This year, over 100 top films from global festivals like Cannes and Venice will be showcased, with a record 4,564 submissions from 119 countries and regions. A major highlight will be the Chinese premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash on Dec 8, with director James Cameron attending in person to immerse audiences once again in the epic world of Pandora.

The festival will offer diverse viewing experiences through both theater screenings and open-air sessions. From November through Jan 1, 2026, over 120 films will be shown across 12 cinemas and multiple outdoor venues in Sanya, Haikou, and Lingshui. Special thematic sections – including Thai Cinema, Ocean Films, and Opera on Screen – will add rich cultural layers to the program.

The "Travel with Movies" series will present more than 30 acclaimed works from 21 countries and regions, screening simultaneously in Haikou and Sanya. Meanwhile, the popular "Open-Air Screenings" will bring films to unconventional spaces: audiences can enjoy beloved titles like Hi, Mom on the beach at Tianya town, feel the inspiration of YOLO amid the hills of Luhuitou Park, or explore Southeast Asian stories such as The King of the White Elephant at shopping plaza pop-ups.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the "HIIFF Market" will run from Dec 3–9 at Mangrove Tree Resort World Sanya Bay, featuring film merchandise, creative handicrafts, local snacks, and interactive installations – inviting visitors to shop, taste, and play while soaking in the unique coastal-cinematic vibe.