(MENAFN) The 13th Bosphorus Film Festival is set to launch on Friday evening in Istanbul, marking a celebration of cinema that will continue until November 14, as stated by reports. Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cinema, the festival promises a vibrant program designed to showcase “all the colors of cinema.” Screenings will take place in Beyoglu at prominent venues including Atlas 1948 Cinema, AKM Yesilcam Cinema, and Istiklal AVM Cinema Pink, according to announcements. Festival Artistic Director Enes Erbay highlighted the extensive lineup, saying, “We have prepared a rich and fulfilling program for film enthusiasts.” He also noted that more than 50 films and numerous special events will be featured.

The festival will open with Palestine 36, directed by Annemarie Jacir, which was Palestine’s official submission for the Oscars. “To draw attention to what is happening in Palestine, we prepared a special Palestinian selection this year,” Erbay said. This segment will include four additional films, while other special screenings will feature two documentaries—one focusing on director Biket Ilhan and another compiled from Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu’s personal archives—as well as the fictional drama The Secret on the Canvas. Erbay emphasized that the festival aims not only to offer a wide cinematic experience but also to provide young filmmakers opportunities to develop their skills.

Award-winning director Anupam Barve and actor Saleh Bakri, a lead in Palestine 36, will conduct masterclasses. A panel discussion on Turkish cinema’s international visibility, market potential, and partnerships is also planned. The competitive section includes four categories, with ten films competing in each, and reports indicate that documentary submissions reached record levels, presenting tough choices for pre-selection teams.

The Palestinian program includes All That’s Left of You, which premiered at Sundance, The Voice of Hind Rajab, winner of nine awards at the Venice Film Festival, With Hasan in Gaza, premiered at Locarno, and Yalla Parkour, shown at DOC NYC. National Feature Film Competition entries feature Bag Bozumu, Bir Adam Yaratmak, Golun Sarkisi, Gunduz ve Gece, Gunesin Altında Yeni Bir Sey Yok, Kanto, Kesilmis Bir Agac Gibi, Parcali Yillar, Raylarin Otesinde, and Tavsan Imparatorlugu. The International Feature Film Competition includes Dj Ahmet, In My Parents’ House, Lost Land, Renoir, Sanding Dreams, The Love That Remains, The President’s Cake, Where Do We Begin, Whisper My Name, and Wind, Talk to Me.

The National Short Film Selection presents Bir Baskasinin Ruyasi, Bir Turna Kusu Yapmak, Defne, Eudaimonia, Hatirlanacak Ne Var?, Kesik Kulak, Kopeklerin Gecesi, Mumeyyiz, Sakin Soyleme, and Susmuslar Esigi, while the International Short Film Selection features works such as Attitude and Thread (Iran), Comunque Bene (Italy), Don’t You Dare (Russia), Ne Me Quitte Pas and Video Store 2001 (Spain), Pet-Extermination (Norway), There Will Come Soft Rains (UK), and We Had Fun and Ya Hanouni (France). Documentary entries competing for the grand prize include Agac Adam, Kavak Agacinin Golgesinde, Mukaddes, Nena Sena, Nilgun, Ozgur Kelimeler: Gazelli Bir Sair, Pirlerin Dugunu, Sessiz Cizgiler, Tanistigima Memnun Oldum, Topraga Donus, and Ustad Mehmed: Siyah Kalem.

Among the special presentations, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu – Topragin Sirrina Erenler, directed by Ali Kemal Pasiner, compiles 8.5 hours of 8mm footage from Eyuboglu’s personal archives, offering an intimate look into his life and creative process. Other highlights include I Passed Through the Boulevard of Mists: Biket Ilhan, tracing the director’s cinematic journey, and The Secret on the Canvas, a Cypriot drama directed by Omer Evre.

Saleh Bakri will lead a masterclass titled “The Art of Being: Acting with Saleh Bakri,” while Anupam Barve will conduct a workshop on directing and performing on camera. A panel, “The International Journey of Turkish Cinema: From Türkiye to the World,” will explore global strategies for promoting Turkish films, featuring prominent industry figures. Over its eight-day run, the festival will bring together filmmakers, professionals, and international guests, providing a platform for emerging talent and allowing audiences to experience a diverse array of cinematic works. According to reports, updates and the full program are available on the festival’s official website and social media channels.

MENAFN10112025000045017640ID1110319144