American filmmaker Jinho Myung and Thai actor Legyaan Thapa lit up the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) this week, showcasing their coming-of-age drama Softshell. The duo, visiting Hainan for the first time, called the tropical island 'a filmmaker’s paradise' during an interview with CGTN’s Zhang Meng.
Tropical Vibes, Global Stories
'I had no idea China had a place like Sanya – it’s straight out of a postcard!' Myung said, praising Hainan’s palm-fringed beaches and laid-back energy. Thapa added that the festival’s mix of indie gems and big-budget hits reflects China’s 'evolving, hungry film culture.' 🎥
When East Meets East
Their film Softshell, exploring mixed cultural identities, struck a chord with audiences. 'Thai and Chinese histories are like intertwined vines,' Thapa noted, sharing how his own multicultural upbringing shaped the story. Myung emphasized: 'Great storytelling dissolves borders – that’s why festivals like HIIFF matter.' 🌐
