Thailand–China cinema ties deepen as Thai films feature prominently at Hainan Film Festival 2025
7th Hainan Island International Film Festival spotlights Thai productions and boosts Bangkok–Beijing cultural collaboration
Thailand and China are intensifying cinematic collaboration, with Thai films and locations receiving prominent attention ahead of the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) in December 2025. Chinese film-industry officials visited Phuket in August to explore Thai locations for joint productions, and organisers say this year’s Hainan festival will include a special Thai-film showcase to mark a half-century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
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A delegation from Hainan Province, led by the festival’s secretary-general, toured Phuket, inspecting a range of scenic sites including Baan Chinpracha and Phuket Old Town.
Their goal was to assess Thailand’s potential as a base for international film and drama production — reflecting a growing view in Beijing that Thailand’s rich landscapes, cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure complement China’s expanding entertainment ambitions.
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Organisers of HIIFF have confirmed that the 2025 edition — to take place in Sanya from December 3 to 9 — will feature a “Thai film theme series.” The programme includes a curated selection of Thai films and a showcase of Thai–Chinese cinematic cooperation, symbolising strengthened cultural ties and increased opportunities for co-production, distribution and talent sharing.
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Film-industry observers note that this deepening of ties aligns with a broader pattern of cross-border collaboration between China and nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), blending Chinese production resources with Southeast Asia’s diverse settings and storytelling traditions.
Thailand — with its vibrant film scene and scenic locales — is emerging as a preferred partner for such collaborations.
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For Thai film professionals and the government, the renewed engagement promises benefits beyond box office receipts: access to larger budgets, expanded distribution channels across Greater China and Asia, and the opportunity to attract international productions to Thai soil, boosting film tourism and local economies.
For Chinese producers, Thailand offers diverse locations, warm weather and cultural depth at competitive cost — factors increasingly valued in global film logistics.
As HIIFF 2025 approaches, filmmakers, producers and policy-makers on both sides express ambition that this could mark a turning point — transforming Thailand from a regional cinema player into a key hub for Sino-ASEAN film cooperation and a major destination for international filmmakers.
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
A delegation from Hainan Province, led by the festival’s secretary-general, toured Phuket, inspecting a range of scenic sites including Baan Chinpracha and Phuket Old Town.
Their goal was to assess Thailand’s potential as a base for international film and drama production — reflecting a growing view in Beijing that Thailand’s rich landscapes, cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure complement China’s expanding entertainment ambitions.
:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Organisers of HIIFF have confirmed that the 2025 edition — to take place in Sanya from December 3 to 9 — will feature a “Thai film theme series.” The programme includes a curated selection of Thai films and a showcase of Thai–Chinese cinematic cooperation, symbolising strengthened cultural ties and increased opportunities for co-production, distribution and talent sharing.
:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Film-industry observers note that this deepening of ties aligns with a broader pattern of cross-border collaboration between China and nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), blending Chinese production resources with Southeast Asia’s diverse settings and storytelling traditions.
Thailand — with its vibrant film scene and scenic locales — is emerging as a preferred partner for such collaborations.
:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
For Thai film professionals and the government, the renewed engagement promises benefits beyond box office receipts: access to larger budgets, expanded distribution channels across Greater China and Asia, and the opportunity to attract international productions to Thai soil, boosting film tourism and local economies.
For Chinese producers, Thailand offers diverse locations, warm weather and cultural depth at competitive cost — factors increasingly valued in global film logistics.
As HIIFF 2025 approaches, filmmakers, producers and policy-makers on both sides express ambition that this could mark a turning point — transforming Thailand from a regional cinema player into a key hub for Sino-ASEAN film cooperation and a major destination for international filmmakers.
