Strong Interest in the Izmir International Short Film Festival
Submissions for this year’s Izmir International Short Film Festival, scheduled to take place from 14 to 19 November, have closed. A total of 3,998 films from 109 countries were submitted to compete for the Golden Cat Awards. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, General Directorate of Cinema, Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Buca Municipality, Konak Municipality, Karşıyaka Municipality, the French Cultural Centre and the German Cultural Centre, the festival will meet film enthusiasts in Izmir for the 24th time this year.
Film Lab Applications Are Now Open
Applications are now open for the third edition of Izmir Film Lab, held as part of the Izmir International Short Film Festival. National projects and Izmir-based projects in the fiction category will be presented in separate sections. This year, Izmir Film Lab will once again support emerging filmmakers through professional training programmes. Since its launch, the Lab has organised events focusing on sustainable filmmaking and will continue to provide short filmmakers with information on green film production this year. The application deadline is 17 September 2023.
Mexican Artist to Design the Festival Poster
This year’s poster for the Izmir International Short Film Festival will be designed by Mexican artist Olga Hernandez, who has been following the festival closely. Speaking about her collaboration with the festival, Hernandez said: “I discovered Türkiye nearly 20 years ago. I was captivated by the country’s rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty, and above all by its people—a part of my heart has remained there ever since. The Izmir Short Film Festival has become a wonderful showcase for cinema, successfully highlighting the creativity and talent of filmmakers from around the world. The festival’s passion and commitment to promoting the art of cinema are truly admirable. I have followed the festival closely for several years and dreamed of collaborating with it, once again reminding me that dreams can come true when we work for them. It will be an honour to create the cat symbol that has become the festival’s emblem and to contribute to its visual identity and legacy. My love for Türkiye and its culture is reflected in many of my works. The richness of colours, forms and patterns found in Turkish architecture, nature and traditions has influenced my artistic style and enriched my work. I hope my art conveys the passion and magic present in every screening and inspires fellow artists and film enthusiasts.”
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CONTACT
izmirkisafilmfestivali@gmail.com