The 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) opened in Sanya, Hainan province, on Dec. 3, kicking off a week of events including forums, award ceremony, film screenings and the China premiere of "Avatar: Fire and Ash."

Jurors for the Golden Coconut Awards appear on stage at the opening of the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 3, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

Liu Xiaoming, the governor of Hainan province, delivered a speech to officially open the festival and expressed his hope that the event would continue to serve as a bridge connecting China with the world and facilitating cultural exchange.

An international jury of 13 film professionals, led by veteran festival curator Marco Müller, took to the stage to greet the audience during the opening gala. Müller noted that the Hainan film festival is the last major international film festival this year and is expected to become even more important after the island-wide special customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port is implemented on Dec. 18.

This year's Golden Coconut Awards will present 10 prizes, to be decided by the jury, across three main categories: feature films, documentaries and short films. A total of 14 feature films, six documentaries and 10 short films from more than 20 countries and regions have been nominated.

The opening gala featured filmmakers and actors who took the stage to introduce the nominated films, as well as various dazzling performances.

To mark the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2025, the HIIFF is launching a Thai film theme series, featuring an exhibition on Thailand's film and television achievements and several special screenings. From Dec. 5-9, an AI film section will also be held for the first time, including technology salons, AI-generated film showcases and international collaborations.

The Hainan Island International Film Festival will also hold master classes with filmmaker James Cameron, art director and stylist Wern-ying Hwarng, film producer and festival director Marco Müller, and actor Juliette Binoche, as well as a project pitch event.

Performers sing and dance on stage at the opening of the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 3, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

At a press event where jurors met reporters ahead of the opening ceremony, Müller elaborated that Hainan's unique geographical position and its December timing as the "year-end finale" enable the HIIFF to become the primary platform for selecting the year's best global films and discovering new Chinese-language films for the following year. He expressed his hope for greater cooperation between China and other film markets through this event.

One of the most-anticipated highlights of the festival will be the appearance of director James Cameron and his creative team, who will be attending the China premiere of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" in Sanya on Dec. 8. 

Director James Cameron speaks in a video message at the opening of the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 3, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

"I've always believed in cinema's unparalleled big-screen experience," Cameron said in a recorded message that was played on the big screen during the festival's opening. "The spectacle driven by innovation and the boundless spark of imagination is the very heart of the 'Avatar' films. It's with that same spirit that we eagerly anticipate sharing our next chapter. So it is with great excitement that I will be joining you right here at the China premiere of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' at this festival. Prepare for another unforgettable journey to Pandora."

The opening gala also included a tribute performance for the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, which Cameron celebrated in his message.

"We celebrate 130 years of world cinema, a journey of resonant stories, breathtaking images and unforgettable universes realized on screen," he continued. "This dynamic medium has constantly pushed boundaries, inspiring and uniting us across vast distances and diverse cultures. Here in China, you mark another magnificent milestone: the 120th anniversary of your own cinema, a truly unique and powerful voice on the global stage. Your contributions enrich the tapestry of world cinema. It is a testament to your passion — both from the brilliant creators and the devoted audiences."