Hainan film festival announces Golden Coconut Awards lineup

The seventh Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) unveiled its Golden Coconut Awards lineup on Nov. 27, featuring 30 films competing across feature, documentary and short film categories.

Since launching its global call for entries, the competition attracted 4,564 submissions from 119 countries and regions. Following extensive deliberation by selection and jury teams, 14 feature films, six documentaries and 10 short films were chosen to compete for 10 Golden Coconut Awards.

Feature film contenders include Shahram Mokri's "Black Rabbit, White Rabbit" (Tajikistan/UAE), Sophy Romvari's "Blue Heron" (Canada/Hungary) and Miguel de Zuviria's "Brought with the Storm" (Argentina). China has three entries: Lee Hong-chi's "A Dance in Vain," Ye Zhenpeng's "Eternal Summer" and Zhang Lyu's "Gloaming in Luomu."

In the documentary competition, six films will compete, including Julián Galay's "Crossroads" (Argentina), Nicolas Graux and Truong Minh Quý's "Hair, Paper, Water..." (Belgium/France/Vietnam), and two Chinese entries: Wang Yu's "I Sing, I Love, I Exist" and Fu Jin and Liu Lili's "Searching for Hainan Gibbons."

Ten short films are competing, including Li Jiayi's "Ayi" (China/U.S.), Maryam Tafakory's "Daria's Night Flowers" (Iran/U.K./France) and Giran Findlay Liu's "Year of the Dragon" (Canada).

The selected films represent over 20 countries and regions. Organizers said the slate showcases diverse creative voices, challenging contemporary viewing practices and exploring the lives of younger generations across different cultural contexts, while offering reflections on modern society and technological development.

Notably, 50% of the competing films are directorial debuts. As a young festival, HIIFF focuses on emerging global talent, aiming to grow alongside new filmmakers while also featuring mature works by mid-career directors and established international auteurs.

All selected films will premiere on the Chinese mainland for the first time at the competition, with several holding their world premieres on the island. Some filmmakers will attend to present their work and discuss current trends in international cinema with Chinese audiences.

Organizers stated that HIIFF remains committed to discovering new talent, identifying innovative works, and promoting cinematic aesthetics. As a platform for cultural exchange, the festival aims to promote creative dialogue and contribute to the broader development of the global film industry.

An international jury of 13 film professionals, led by veteran curator Marco Müller, will decide the winners, including best film and best documentary.

The festival runs Dec. 3-9 in Sanya, Hainan province, featuring forums, a James Cameron masterclass and the Chinese mainland premiere of his new blockbuster "Avatar: Fire and Ash."

HIIFF will showcase more than 100 titles during the festival. Screening tickets have been available on Maoyan since Friday, with popular films selling out within seconds.

The full shortlists: