SANYA /China/, December 17. /Correspondent: Ivan Kargapoltsev/. Similar views and methods of work, as well as a common approach to certain topics may become the foundation for increasing cooperation between Chinese and Russian filmmakers, editor-in-chief of the Contemporary Cinematography magazine Huang Fu told TASS at the 5th Hainan International Film Festival taking place in the city of Sanya (southern Hainan province).

"We have history and a foundation for this kind of collaboration between filmmakers, historically we are very close. So given that foundation, I think it's especially important in these times to increase this kind of cooperation. Our interaction is not enough. We will be able to understand each other better only through cooperation," he said, pointing out that it will also help cinematographers to get to know the life of the peoples of the two countries.

The expert was generally positive about the future of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the film industry. "I am personally very optimistic about the prospects for this kind of cooperation," he added.

According to the expert, Russian and Chinese cinema have something in common. "As our film producers pay great attention to issues related to the fate of the state and the people, also the relationship between ordinary people and the state is in the center of attention. I think all these things can be a good foundation for our future cooperation, it is necessary to deepen mutual understanding," Huang Fu said.

The expert also recalled the close ties in cinematography that were between China and the Soviet Union. "Our filmmakers were greatly influenced by Soviet cinema," he said, noting that some of the traditions established then are still influencing Chinese cinema. In particular, he noted, Soviet comedies, pointing out that through such films, directors of the two countries draw attention to the problems of real life with humor.

Hainan Film Festival

The 5th Hainan International Film Festival kicked off on December 16 with the screening of the Belgium-France collaboration of The Other Lawrence (L'Autre Laurens) directed by Claude Schmitz, marking the first time the work has been shown on the big screen in Asia. The film was part of the Cannes Film Festival program in the spring of 2023.

According to the organizers, a total of more than 4 thousand applications for screenings from 109 countries and regions of the world were received in 2023. Nuri Bilge Ceylan, a renowned Turkish director who has won numerous awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including the Palme d'Or for his film Winter Sleep, has been chosen as the President of the Jury of this year's festival. Together with the rest of the jury, he will evaluate the films selected for the competition program in three categories: feature films, documentaries and short works.

The film festival will be open until December 22 and will end with the presentation of the main award - the Golden Coconut Award. This year, a total of 24 films were selected for the main competition program of the festival. Among them 12 feature films, 4 documentaries and 8 short films from all over the world.

The Hainan International Film Festival is recognized as one of the four major film festivals in China. It was held for the first time in December 2018. It has hosted actors and directors such as Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp and Nuri Bilge Ceylan.

It is the youngest film festival in China, but it has already managed to attract the attention of viewers and experts alike.