Akbank Short Film Festival: Honoring the New Talents of the Cinema World
The Akbank Short Film Festival aims to create a festival culture that brings cinema enthusiasts together and encourages the production of short films, as well as supporting emerging filmmakers who contribute to the national cinema. Hosted by Akbank Sanat and encompassing Turkey’s art ecosystem, the festival took place from May 2nd to May 12th this year. A total of 2,237 short films from 71 countries applied to the competition sections held in national and international categories, and the results were announced.
The 19th Akbank Short Film Festival Award Ceremony took place on Friday, May 12th, hosted by actress Ceyda Düvenci. The ceremony was attended by important figures from the cinema world such as jury members Beren Saat, Ekin Koç, Berkay Ateş, Pınar Deniz, Saki Çimen, Emre Kayış, Ali Aga, and many other guests.
In the National Competition category, the main jury members consisting of actress Beren Saat, director Umut Aral, actor Ekin Koç, editor Ali Aga, and Akbank Sanat Director Derya Bigalı evaluated the films. In the “Festival Shorts” section, the film titled “Birlikte, Yalnız” directed by Kasım Ördek won the “Best Short Film Award.” In the same category, “Yazın Sonu” directed by Sis Gürdal and “Rutubet” directed by Turan Haste received the Honorable Mention Award.
In the International Competition category, the main jury members consisting of actress Mina Kavani, director Jonas Matzow Gulbrandsen, actor Nik Xhelilaj, Mubi Turkey director Cem Altınsaray, and Akbank Sanat Director Derya Bigalı evaluated the films. In the “World Shorts” section, the film titled “Anne Babam Beni Görmeye Gelecek Mi?” directed by Mo Harawe won the “Best Short Film Award.” In the same category, “Bir Komplo Adamı” directed by Valerio Ferrara and “Annemin Hüzünlü Ninnileri” directed by Abinash Bikram Shah received the Honorable Mention Award.
In the “Young Perspectives” category, the main jury members consisting of actress Pınar Deniz, director Ziya Demirel, and musician Saki Çimen evaluated the films. The film titled “E-Duygu” directed by İpek Karan won the “Best Short Film” award. In the same category, “İtiraf” directed by Andaç Bertuğ Şimşek received the Honorable Mention Award.
In the “Forum” section, the main jury members consisting of actress Merve Dizdar, director Emre Kayış, and actor-playwright Berkay Ateş evaluated the films. The “Best Short Film Screenplay” award was given to Cansu Baydar for the screenplay titled “Neredeyse Kesinlikle Yanlış.” In the same category, the screenplay titled “Rüyası Ömrümüzün Çünkü Eşyaya Siner” by Koray Arıgümüş received the Honorable Mention Award.
The Akbank Short Film Festival brings together cinema enthusiasts year after year, providing opportunities for new talents and contributing to the development of national cinema. With the award ceremony, it once again highlighted the bright future of the film industry. The Akbank Short Film Festival will continue to promote the production of short films and support emerging filmmakers.
19th Akbank Short Film Festival Awards
National Competition Best Short Film Award
‘Together, Alone’
Director: Kasım Ördek
National Competition Honorable Mention
‘End of Summer’
Director: Sis Gürdal
National Competition Honorable Mention
‘Dampness’
Director: Turan Haste
International Competition Best Short Film Award
‘Will My Parents Come to See Me?’
Director: Mo Harawe
International Competition Honorable Mention
‘A Conspiracy Man’
Director: Valerio Ferrara
International Competition Honorable Mention
‘Lori’
Director: Abinash Bikram Shah
Young Perspectives Best Short Film Award
‘E-Feeling’
Director: İpek Karan
Young Perspectives Honorable Mention
‘Confession’
Director: Andaç Bertuğ Şimşek
Forum Best Screenplay
‘Almost Definitely Wrong’
Screenwriter: Cansu Baydar
Forum Honorable Mention
‘Because Objects Reflect Our Dreams’
Screenwriter: Koray Arıgümüş
For detailed information about the 19th Akbank Short Film Festival, you can visit:
