The best films of the year from Türkiye and abroad compete for the Grand Prix of the festival, the Golden Tulip.
The best short films of the year from Türkiye and abroad compete in this section. Fiction, documentary, and animation films with a maximum length of 20 minutes are eligible for the Short Film Competition.
This section showcases recent productions from Türkiye that open up new perspectives in cinema. Debut or second feature-length films with no restriction of genres are showcased, and the best film is awarded the Seyfi Teoman Prize, after the late filmmaker.
The Turkish premieres of most recent productions with A-list casts by master directors, and most anticipated works of the season will be made at the festival.
Comprising award-winning films from around the world, this premiere selection of highlights reflects the latest cinematic trends, brings together the newest and most popular works of world cinema, and takes the audience on a world tour.
This section showcases works of young directors who demonstrate a unique talent and distinctive approach to cinema with their debut or second features ––classics and masters of the future.
These films tackle current subject matters as diverse as politics, music, photography, family ties, society, architecture, radio, human rights, and engage with social transformations to present reality with a unique and striking stylistic approach.
Spectre
noun
1. A visible incorporeal spirit, especially one of a terrifying nature; ghost; phantom; apparition.
2. Some object or source of terror or dread.
The festival is gleeful to present a brilliant selection of light-hearted, feel-good films which intend to amuse while provoking your thoughts, looking at life from unexpected vantage points.
These unusual, extraordinary, unsettling, adventurous, edgy films outside the mainstream with their style, form, or approach will be attractive especially for cinephiles pursuing thrills on screen. Restless, rebellious cinematic spirits roam in the Mined Zone.
Originated from the love for the art of filmmaking, this section is constructed on ‘the passion for cinema,’ ‘cinephilia,’ and ‘Cinemania,’ comprising the highlights, the landmarks, and milestones, the great masters, the unforgettables of world of cinema.
Istanbul Film Festival continues to revive most significant works of Turkish cinema by restoring these outstanding classics with the collaboration of Zurich Sigorta. Film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to watch another classic from its copy digitally restored by Atlas Post Production ––'Desperate Road' directed by Ömer Kavur, co-written by Barış Pirhasan, starring Kadir İnanır and Zuhal Olcay.
This retrospective tribute comprises of six feature films by Golden Bear-winning auteur director Dag Johan Haugerud. Haugerud prefers to work by involving actors in the process, and each film reflects his cinematic approach that reveals dialogue, acting, and human relationships. Haugerud, who will attend the festival, will meet the audience at a festival talk.
A selection of films edited by Ayhan Ergürsel, one of the most competent names in his field in Türkiye, will be screened at the festival. Ayhan Ergürsel, who died suddenly in 2019, worked as an editor on many projects. Ergürsel had once said ‘Cinema is a common language’, was a great supporter of our filmmakers, especially those who directed their first films in the 2000s, with his ideas, technical and aesthetic perspective. A panel discussion on Ergürsel's career and works will take place as part of the festival.
