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12th Bosphorus Film Festival begins today: International cinema, events in Istanbul

12th Bosphorus Film Festival begins today: International cinema, events in Istanbul A poster of 12th Bosphorus Film Festival (Bogazici Film Festivali). (Photo via festival's website)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Oct 18, 2024 12:05 PM

The 12th Bosphorus Film Festival starts today and runs from October 18 to 25, bringing a week full of cinema and artistic events to Istanbul.

The festival will screen films from around the world and Türkiye, providing a unique experience for film lovers visiting the city.

12th Bosphorus Film Festival begins today: International cinema, events in Istanbul
Irish actor Cillian Murphy accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Oppenheimer” onstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States on March 10, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Opening film with Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy

12th Bosphorus Film Festival’s opening film, Small Things Like These, directed by Tim Mielants, features Cillian Murphy and has been nominated for the Golden Bear award. Festival Artistic Director Enes Erbay emphasized that the selection includes films from prestigious international festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.

He added, “We believe it will be a very satisfying program for cinephiles. In addition to screenings, we will have Bosphorus Talks. The first session will showcase the film Yomeddine, directed by Abu Bakr Shawky, followed by a conversation with him.”

The Bosphorus Film Festival aims to represent a diverse range of films, with entries from countries like Peru, Nepal, Russia, and Spain. Documentaries such as Proof and Bye Bye Tiberias will also focus on significant global issues like the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The variety of films and documentaries presented is designed to give the audience a well-rounded experience.

events in Istanbul, Bosphorus film festival
View of the Arnavutkoy Pier in the Besiktas on the European side of Istanbul, beautiful old houses and cozy cafes on the Bosphorus embankment. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Bosphorus Film Festival’s competitions, special screenings bring recognition to filmmakers

The Bosphorus Film Festival has received nearly 2,000 submissions this year, with 32 films—both short and feature-length—chosen for the final lineup. Among them, 11 international films will compete for the Golden Dolphin award in the international category. National films will also have their own category, with 10 productions competing.

The jury, led by director Atalay Tasdiken, will evaluate the films and present cash awards. The Best Film award will be given $8,700, while other awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress, will also receive cash prizes.

The festival’s director emphasized the importance of the international competition and said that despite fewer entries from the Middle East due to ongoing challenges, the festival has seen strong submissions from other regions.

A week of cinema at historic venues, wide array of events in Istanbul

The festival’s screenings will be held at Atlas 1948 Cinema, AKM Yesilcam Cinema, and Cinema Pink.

  • Tickets are available for purchase online, with prices set at $2 for short films and documentaries and $3.5 for feature-length films.

If you are in Istanbul, this is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the global film scene and explore the unique cinematic offerings available.

Bosphorus University, one of Türkiye’s most respected educational institutions, holds a special place in the festival’s identity. As a landmark of academic and cultural significance, the university adds prestige to the event, attracting attention from film enthusiasts worldwide.

Last Updated:  Oct 18, 2024 12:12 PM
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