The 5th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) officially kicked off on December 16 at the 1+X Mangrove Tree Cinema in Sanya, Hainan Province. Film enthusiasts from around the globe gathered to witness the Asian premiere of \"The Other Laurens,\" marking a significant moment for this vibrant event.
\"The Other Laurens,\" directed by Belgian filmmaker Claude Schmitz, is a detective thriller that earned a nomination in the Directors' Fortnight section at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Its debut at HIIFF highlights the festival's growing international presence.
Schmitz drew creative inspiration from his boarding school experiences, where he delved into the works of famed directors like Ingmar Bergman and Akira Kurosawa. His fascination with 1980s action films, featuring stars such as Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal, also played a pivotal role in shaping \"The Other Laurens.\"
The film follows Gabriel, a private detective investigating the mysterious death of his niece's father. As Gabriel digs deeper, he confronts the ghosts of his past and finds himself entangled in a complex case that intertwines elements of fantasy and drug trafficking.
With its unique blend of tough-guy black humor and contemporary audiovisual elements, \"The Other Laurens\" promises audiences a distinct and engaging cinematic experience.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
