17 July 2026
The Scent of the Island Documentary Screened at the 39th International KSF Film Festival and Multimedia
The documentary Scent of the Island, directed by Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç and produced with the support of the Department of Visual Communication Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) and the Gelisim Film Academy, was screened as part of the 39th International KSF Film Festival and Multimedia. Centered on the relationship between nature, people, and sustainable living, the documentary was presented to national and international audiences as part of the festival program.
A cinematic exploration of living in harmony with nature
Inspired by the natural and cultural landscape of Gökçeada, Scent of the Island portrays the island's unique way of life, its deep connection with nature, and its sustainable living practices through compelling visual storytelling. Throughout the documentary, audiences are introduced to a lifestyle removed from the fast pace of urban life, discovering local production traditions and everyday practices shaped by harmony with the natural environment.
Rather than simply documenting the island's scenery, the film offers meaningful reflections on how a more sustainable relationship between people and the environment can be established. Local production models, environmentally conscious lifestyles, and the distinctive ecological character of island life form the core themes of the documentary.
Sustainability through the language of cinema
The documentary approaches sustainability not only from an environmental perspective but also in terms of preserving cultural heritage, supporting local production, and passing traditional ways of life on to future generations. Highlighting the positive impact of nature on human well-being, the film emphasizes the importance of environmentally responsible production and consumption through the universal language of cinema.
With its striking cinematography, authentic atmosphere, and compelling narrative, Scent of the Island demonstrates that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass cultural, social, and human values. The documentary encourages audiences to view nature from a new perspective while inspiring reflection on sustainable practices that can be incorporated into everyday life.
Contributing to IGU's vision of artistic production
Supported through the collaboration between the Department of Visual Communication Design at Istanbul Gelisim University and the Gelisim Film Academy, Scent of the Island reflects the university's commitment to creative production in the fields of art, cinema, and visual communication. By combining academic knowledge with artistic practice, the documentary raises awareness of environmental sustainability while serving as an inspiring example for both students and film audiences.
Screened at the 39th International KSF Film Festival and Multimedia, Scent of the Island stood out as one of the festival's noteworthy productions, using the universal language of cinema to explore the strong connection between humanity, nature, and sustainable living. The documentary also continues to enhance the international visibility of Istanbul Gelisim University's contributions to culture, the arts, and academic production.