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The 13th Bosphorus Film Festival has opened in Istanbul, bringing together films, directors, and audiences from Türkiye and abroad. Organized by the Bosphorus Culture and Arts Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cinema, the festival will continue through Nov. 14. This year’s program highlights what organizers describe as “all the colors of cinema,” with more than 50 screenings across central venues in the historic Beyoglu district.
Screenings will take place at Atlas 1948 Cinema, AKM Yesilcam Cinema, and Istiklal AVM Cinema Pink. Festival Artistic Director Enes Erbay said the program aims to offer a broad cinematic experience while also encouraging young filmmakers to develop their craft. He noted that the opening screening is Palestine 36, a film selected as Palestine’s entry for the Academy Awards.
This year’s festival features a special section centered on Palestine. The selection includes five films, each exploring narratives of memory, resilience, and lived experience. Alongside Palestine 36, other titles explore themes ranging from a mother’s hope during West Bank protests to personal journeys set against the backdrop of Gaza.
Erbay explained that this focus was included to draw attention to ongoing realities in Palestine. He added that the festival will also host screenings of two documentaries: one reflecting the life of director Biket Ilhan, and another composed from painter and poet Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu’s personal archives.
The festival’s competition sections include national and international feature films, short films, and documentaries. Each category features ten films, with selections chosen from a record number of submissions, particularly in the documentary field. According to Erbay, the increased interest suggests a dynamic moment for documentary filmmaking in Türkiye.
In addition to screenings, the festival will host panels and workshops aimed at professionals and students in the industry. A panel titled “The International Journey of Turkish Cinema: From Türkiye to the World” will explore international distribution, partnerships, and strategies for greater visibility.
Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri, known for his acclaimed performances across international cinema, will lead a masterclass on acting, focusing on emotional presence and character formation. Award-winning director Anupam Barve will conduct a workshop on directing actors and performance techniques in front of the camera.
Erbay emphasized that the festival serves both as a key platform for Turkish cinema and a meeting point between emerging filmmakers and global industry figures. The festival week, he said, is intended to be both creative and participatory for audiences and professionals alike.
Over the next eight days, the Bosphorus Film Festival will continue to host screenings, discussions, and industry meetings, bringing together voices across cultures and regions. Detailed schedules and updates are available on the festival’s website and through its official social media channels.
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