Belgian filmmaker Melissa Mabesoone lit up the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival this week, celebrating both her short film's Asian debut and China's thriving cinematic culture. Her work Maturation Station, nominated for Best Short Film, made its first appearance in Asia at the festival – a moment she called 'a full-circle creative moment' 🎥.
Speaking with CGTN's Zhang Meng, Mabesoone highlighted the festival's unique blend of global perspectives: 'Meeting creators from Europe, Southeast Asia, and across China felt like attending a United Nations of storytelling. The energy here could power a spaceship! 🚀'
The director particularly noted China's evolving film scene: 'What's exciting is seeing stories that could only come from here – that authentic blend of tradition and modernity. It's like watching 5,000 years of culture remix itself through a 21st-century lens.'
With 40+ countries represented, HIIFF 2025 continues through December 12, serving as a launchpad for cross-cultural collaborations. Mabesoone's takeaway? 'When you put this many creative minds in a room overlooking the South China Sea, magic happens – and I'm not just talking about the sunset selfies! 🌅'
