A diverse array of activities including master classes, forums, carnivals and the highly anticipated Golden Coconut Awards, as well as a star-studded lineup of guests are set to captivate cinephiles at the 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival kicked off in south China's resort island province of Hainan on Friday night.
The festival is off to a glamorous start, with celebrities gracing the red carpet.
With more than 4,300 submissions from 117 countries and regions, 32 films have made the shortlist, and major awards will be announced on the closing day. Renowned French director Luc Besson is leading the international jury as its president.
Feature film juror Oliver Megaton emphasized the diversity of both the films and the judging panel.
"We began to watch movies two days ago. I can't tell you anything about the movies, but it's very diversified, and the jurors are super diversified too, with Chinese actors, directors and Western people, so I feel it's going to be cool," said Megaton.
This year's festival also shines a spotlight on iconic French actress Sophie Marceau, who serves as the official ambassador. At the same time, Chinese cinema legend Zhang Yimou is being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the film industry.
Beyond the screenings, the festival highlights Hainan's unique beauty, with films showcased along the island's scenic coastline.
"Welcome to Hainan! and hope you can return to Sanya in the future. I wish that everyone can feel at home here," said Chinese singer Su Yunying, expressing her hopes for the island's growing role in global cultural exchanges.
In addition to the main events, special showcases such as the Spanish Film Week and the ASEAN Section will feature films throughout the festival, offering a diverse and enchanting cinematic experience for all attendees.
Diverse activities, star-studded lineup at Hainan film festival to captivate enthusiasts
Diverse activities, star-studded lineup at Hainan film festival to captivate enthusiasts
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
