Organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and with the support of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival brought the best original productions of the Turkic world to İstanbul screens.
The international cinema event was part of the Beyoğlu Culture Route Festival launched on October 30. Drawing more than 100 filmmakers, actors, and cultural figures from the Turkic Republics to İstanbul, the Korkut Ata Film Festival exemplified the cultural and artistic cooperation taking place during the Festival and took the lead on the next steps for Turkic world cinema.
The Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the international cinema event of the Beyoğlu Culture Route Festival, was organized by the General Directorate of Cinema, and the International Cinema Association with the support of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), under the leadership of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. More than 100 filmmakers, actors and cultural figures from the Turkic Republics were also welcomed in İstanbul as part of the Film Festival, which took place between November 8 and 12.
A Festival Bringing the Turkic World Together
Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival debuted this year. As a joint effort by the International Cinema Association, the Turkic Council, TÜRKSOY, TRT, and İstanbul University, and supported by numerous institutions and organizations, the Festival aimed to present the cultural and intellectual infrastructure of Turkic world cinema to the cinema professionals and younger generations. The Festival introduced films that bear the cultural codes of the Turkic world, as well as increasing opportunities for cultural and artistic cooperation, and contributing to the strengthening and enrichment of our collective history, and cultural and social values through the promotion of the cinematic arts.
Cinema professionals from thirteen countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, Saha Republic, Tatarstan, Gagauzia, Iran, Ukraine, Türkiye, and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) participated in the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, bringing the leading figures in the cinema industry of the Turkic world together under one roof.
The Festival Presents the 1st Turkic World Cinema Summit
The Korkut Ata Film Festival featured an in-depth programme that included films under the categories of Historical Panorama, Contemporary Human Landscape, Turquoise Documentary Zone, Animation, and Chinghiz Aitmatov Adaptations. In addition to feature film and documentary competitions, the Festival also presented the 1st Turkic World Cinema Summit, which was held on November 11. The Summit brought together film institutions, producers, writers, and Turkish-speaking actors to raise the issue of the creation of a joint cinema fund between Turkish-speaking countries, and to create a roadmap for a mutual exchange of ideas and the production of joint projects.
The Korkut Ata Film Festival featured forty-two films and was open to the public free of charge. Film venues included the Atlas 1948 Cinema, and Emek Cinema, two iconic symbols of Beyoğlu, and the Tarık Zafer Tunaya Cultural Centre, as well as cinemas at İstanbul University Faculty of Communications. Running from November 8 to 12, the Festival offered İstanbul residents five full days of films. The Festival’s conclusion was marked with a ceremony at the Atatürk Cultural Centre on November 12.
The Festival Boasts a Rich Range of Events
The Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival also featured a rich range of events and panels.Highlights of the Festival programme included “The 80th Anniversary of Kyrgyz Cinema”, an event hosted by the Republic of Kyrgyzstan at the İstanbul Cinema Museum, and “Uzbek Cinema Day”, hosted by the Republic of Uzbekistan.
In cooperation with İstanbul University, a panel entitled “Chingiz Aitmatov Adaptations in Cinema” brought together academics and film professionals.
Competitions
The Festival recognized the best films among eight feature-length films and nine documentaries from the Turkic Republics and communities, with a total of six awards in the feature film and documentary categories, and one “Honorary Award” to an individual.
The competition jury consisted of eleven industry professionals, with a six-person jury for feature films and a five-person jury for documentaries. In addition, the Festival also recognized five institutions in the Turkic world for their contributions to the television and film industries.
More information on the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, including its programme, screening schedule and competitions, is at http://www.korkutatafilmfestivali.com.