At the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) this December in Sanya, American filmmaker Jinho Myung and Thai actor Legyaan Thapa are turning heads with their coming-of-age feature Softshell. 🌴🎬
Myung, on his first visit to Hainan, called the experience "eye-opening," admitting he hadn't realized the Chinese mainland had such a lush, tropical paradise. From warm sea breezes to the laid-back festival vibe, he says Sanya is "the perfect place for a film festival."
Thapa agreed, highlighting how Softshell speaks to families with mixed cultural roots. "My own life straddles Thai and Chinese traditions," he shared, noting the story's universal appeal for viewers who juggle multiple identities.
Both filmmakers are excited by the diverse audience at HIIFF. Myung spotted indie lovers and blockbuster fans alike, a sign of the Chinese mainland's growing appetite for new voices and stories. As cultures collide on screen and off, Softshell is proving that cinema can be a bridge across borders. 🌐❤️
For young cinephiles and global storytellers, HIIFF 2025 is a reminder that the best films are those that connect us—even if we speak different languages. Ready for your next indie discovery? Grab your passport (and your popcorn)! 🍿✈️
Reference(s):
HIIFF 2025: U.S.-Thai filmmakers highlight cross-cultural connections
cgtn.com
