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The 32nd International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival has officially begun in southern Türkiye, opening with a ceremony that celebrated cinema veterans and introduced this year’s competing films.
The festival commenced at the Merkez Park Amphitheater with the presentation of the prestigious Orhan Kemal Labor Awards.
These honors, named after the renowned Turkish novelist Orhan Kemal, were given to director and producer Biket Ilhan, director Yasar Seriner, and actor Mahmut Cevher for their long-standing contributions to Turkish cinema.
Seriner, who was unable to attend due to health reasons, was represented by Menderes Samancilar, head of the festival’s executive committee, who accepted the award on his behalf.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adana Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Gungor Gecer reflected on the loss of several prominent Turkish filmmakers in the past year.
He emphasized that society now needs the healing and hopeful power of the arts more than ever.
Gecer underlined that cinema is not only a part of a nation’s cultural heritage and collective memory but also a transformative force for individuals and communities.
He added that the festival was deliberately shaped around themes of peace, freedom, and hope, stressing that “cinema is the voice of peace, freedom, and hope against wars, injustices, and prohibitions.”
The opening ceremony, hosted by presenter Julide Ates, also introduced the films competing in this year’s program.
Following the award presentations, singer Ceylan Ertem took the stage, delivering a concert that added a festive spirit to the night.
The event drew jury members, invited guests, and local residents, creating a lively atmosphere that marked the beginning of one of Türkiye’s most anticipated film festivals.
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