The 5th Hainan Island International Film Festival, jointly organized by China Central Radio and Television (CCTV) and the People's Government of Hainan Province, was inaugurated on Dec. 16, 2023 in Sanya, Hainan. It seeks to enhance cultural exchanges and cooperation in the international film industry, foster the growth of the film sector, and encourage the flourishing of film creation.

During the festival, Zhang Qi, WPA’s Secretary General, spoke with former Mayor of Monterey Park, USA, David Lau and prominent Chinese-American film and television director Liu Huling on the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries’ film and television industries. They also looked into how to use television and film to highlight the inspiring tales and upbeat vibes of peasants. The meeting was attended by Ding Xuehao, Deputy Director of WPA’s International Cooperation Division, and Zhao Wei, a young female director.

Zhang Qi began by outlining WPA's goals and objectives, emphasizing the importance of peasants in social development. He stated that film and television works can better depict the lives, work, and spirit of peasants, express positive vibes, and enhance society attention and support for peasants.

David Lau heartily concurred. He stated that the United States is a highly developed agricultural country, and peasants play an essential part in its history and existence. He hopes that through collaboration with WPA, advanced agricultural technology and experience from the United States will be disseminated, while positive messages such as environmental protection and public welfare will be conveyed through film and television, contributing to the development of the global community.

Director Liu Huling, on the other hand, stated that she is eager to tell the experiences of Chinese peasants through film and television. She believes that more good works portraying the lives and feelings of peasants can be made with the collaboration of film and television workers from China and the United States.

It is reported that this year's Hainan Island International Film Festival will give special attention to films with rural themes, and many films depicting the life of peasants and rural ecological protection will be screened. It is hoped that these works will provoke profound thought and emotion in the audience while also promoting the growth of the film and television industries.

All in all, the Hainan Island International Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers from all over the world to communicate and collaborate, as well as an excellent opportunity for exchange and cooperation between WPA and the film and television industries in China and the United States. We hope to see more good film and television works featuring peasants in the future, showing the real life of peasants and transmitting positive social ideals.