SANYA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The first Hainan International Film Festival will be held in south China's coastal city of Sanya from Dec. 9 to 16, the festival's organizing committee said Monday.

The eight-day event features a wide variety of activities, such as opening and closing ceremonies, a competition section, film exhibitions, and forums, according to the organizing committee.

Many actors, actresses, and directors from China and abroad have confirmed their attendance, including two-time Cannes Best Actress winner Isabelle Huppert from France, and another French film star Isabelle Adjani, who has won five Cesar Awards for Best Actress and the Best Actress award at Cannes.

Chinese movie star Jackie Chan has been named the promotional ambassador for the festival.

The festival aims to build a platform for communication, cooperation and trade in the international film industry, said the organizing committee.