Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU), in collaboration with the Public Relations and Promotion Department and the Faculty of Fine Arts, is hosting its inaugural International Sustainable Short Film Festival, offering young filmmakers worldwide a valuable platform to express themselves. The festival focuses on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to emphasize environmental awareness and social responsibility through cinema.
The event, organized by IGU, will take place from November 27 to 29, 2024, providing an opportunity for young filmmakers to explore critical topics like sustainability and environmental responsibility through artistic approaches. The festival seeks to inspire greater public awareness of environmental and social responsibility issues.
"We Must Act Together for a Sustainable Future"
Festival Director and Istanbul Gelişim University’s Assistant Director of Corporate Communications and Promotion, Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç, shared insights about the event. He stated, “Our goal is to create a platform where young filmmakers can make their voices heard. We hope this festival serves as an inspiration for a sustainable future and becomes a tradition. We must remember that sustainability requires collective action.”
Renowned Figures and Experts to Participate
The three-day festival will host many prominent figures and experts who will engage with film enthusiasts. Participants include actors Ufuk Bayraktar and Naci Taşdöğen, director Erdem Yılmaz, social media influencer Oğuzhan Çakmak, and CNBC-E’s Head of Domestic and Foreign Productions Atila Irgalata.
The gala day will feature notable guests, including Serkan Bayram, AK Party Istanbul MP and lawyer, and Orhan Miroğlu, former MP for Mardin and AK Party Central Executive Board member. During the gala, Serkan Bayram’s "The Story of a Grain of Wheat" and Orhan Miroğlu’s "Voices and Faces: Once Upon a Time in Diyarbakır" will be screened.
Special Workshop by Sony Turkey
Another highlight of the festival is a workshop conducted by Sony Turkey’s Education Manager Aykut Kılıç, exploring themes of cinema and sustainability. This workshop aims to inspire young filmmakers in their creative journeys.
Finalist Films
The festival’s finalists include a diverse selection of works:
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Flatmate
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Watercolor
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Göçebe
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Razor Ruckus
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The Fence
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Kemal
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Loop
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The Island
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My Beautiful Friend
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Yapboz
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Uncle Ali
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sprAY
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Hide&Seek
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From Seven to Seventy
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Breakfast
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John DeMena
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Eternal Eyes
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FO-Dimension
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Firez
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Haksızlık
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Gray Days
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Nani’s Kitchen
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The Key.
This festival promises to be a significant step in intertwining cinematic artistry with the global sustainability agenda, inspiring action and awareness.
