Cannes & Sanya: From sister cities to film partners

As sister cities since 1997, Cannes and Sanya have long shared more than just a friendly bond – they share a spirit of hospitality, a rich cultural foundation, and a growing passion for the art of cinema.

In recent remarks, Thomas de Pariente, deputy mayor of Cannes, highlighted the deepening ties between the two cities, noting that their relationship is now "elevating from mere warm hospitality to tangible collaboration in the film industry".

Over more than 20 years of exchange, Cannes and Sanya have developed a profound connection, Pariente stated. "Our shared values – openness, creativity, and a commitment to culture – have kept our hearts and minds aligned."

He said that the film sector has become a central pillar of their partnership, with both cities increasingly working together to support cinematic creativity and industry development.

He also expressed strong appreciation for Sanya's and Hainan province’s determination to develop a high‑quality film ecosystem. "We highly commend the clear and ambitious strategy of Sanya and Hainan in fostering a vibrant film industry," he said. "With its unique resources and forward‑looking positioning, Sanya holds great potential in this field."

Cannes, he added, stands ready to share its experience and deepen cooperation with Sanya, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic global film landscape.