International Izmir Short Film Festival which will be organized fort he 10th time this year is the biggest event of short films in Turkey. The festival is the first short film organization which presents an international award scheme. It was organized in 2000 for the first time and since then has become one of the most prestigious film festivals in Turkey. It is the sole film festival of Izmir city and it is of great importance due to the fact that there are only three international festivals in the city. Each year Golden Cat awards are presented in both national and international categories for best fiction, documentary, experimental and animated short films. Reputable, important and prestigious names from all corners of the world are invited to be members of the festival jury. In addition to the competititon programme, short films above an average level of artistic and technical qualities are selected for screenings. Film screenings are supported with other events such as conferences, Q&A’s, exhibitions and parties. In this respect, International Izmir Short Film Festival is still the greatest festival to meet the audiences and thier expectations in Turkey. Each and every year, the festival meets 8000 people as audience. Almost all films are screened with the participation of the film’s cast and crew. Therefore, Izmir festival stands as a great and important platform to meet the filmmakers and thier audiences.

International Izmir Short Film Festival has been accepted as an official member of the European Coordination of Film Festivals after a long and hard process and has become the first short film festival from Turkey who has been accepted to the coordination. This displays the different vision, mission and mentality of the festival than any other ordinary film event in Turkey. The festival is organized every year with the support of the Culture of Ministry and Prime Ministry and respected as a Professional film event in the country. In 2008, more than 1000 films from 65 countries have been submitted to International Izmir Short Film Festival. It is expected that these figures will increase with this edition of the festival in 2009.