Steeped in history, where time is etched in stone, Konuralp became the stage for the magic of cinema. From May 15 to 18, 2025, the Konuralp International Film Festival echoed like a dream in the heart of Düzce. The dance of light, shadow, and stories breathed new life into this ancient city.
Report by: Özge Zeki
Düzce: A Vision Told Through Art
Behind the scenes of the festival lies a visionary approach and a tremendous team effort. In our exclusive interview, Düzce Governor Selçuk ASLAN shared his thoughts on the festival:
“Although Düzce was officially designated as a province in 1999, it has a deeply rooted history that predates even the Kingdom of Bithynia. As an ancient settlement, it harbors a vibrant social fabric and a strong human capital. Strategically positioned between two major metropolises, our province now ranks among Turkey’s top 20 industrial cities. But we also aim to make our mark in the fields of culture and art.”
Governor ASLAN summarized the inspiration behind the festival as follows:
“Believing in the vision of expressing our work through art, we felt that a film festival would suit Düzce perfectly. Guided by the advice of esteemed experts, we set out on this journey—and to our amazement, in the very first month we received over 400 submissions, 55% of which were from abroad. That’s when we realized we had already become an international brand. This is why we decided to move forward under the name Konuralp International Film Festival.”
1,312 Stories from Across the Globe
The festival resonated far beyond the borders of Turkey, drawing the world’s attention. A total of 1,312 film submissions poured in from 81 different countries. Each one a unique voice, a different breath — visual poems woven with pain, hope, and dreams…
Düzce Governor Selçuk ASLAN shared his thoughts on the jury process:
“Our preliminary jury conducted a solid evaluation. The final jury, on the other hand, carried out a more professional and in-depth process. We, too, awaited the announcement of the finalists with great excitement. Sunday felt like opening Pandora’s box!”
The Journey of Light: Competition Categories
The festival welcomed cinephiles through three main categories:
✨ Fiction Films – Short narratives not exceeding 30 minutes…
✨ Documentary Films – Stories that sincerely convey truth…
✨ Production Support Projects – Grants for works that grow from and speak of Düzce, offering hope for emerging visions…
In Addition, a Special Award in Honor of the “Year of the Family”
With 2025 declared as the “Year of the Family”, a special award was introduced for a film that highlighted family themes.
“Following the announcement by our President, we wanted to place a special emphasis on the concept of family. We found it fitting to present the Governor’s Special Award to a film that promotes the protection and strengthening of the family unit.”
— Governor of Düzce
Young Lights in the Shadows of Masters
Turkish cinema legends Hülya Koçyiğit and Ediz Hun were the festival’s esteemed guests of honor. Both were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and their presence brought grace and inspiration to the entire event.
Four Days of Conversations, Workshops, and Dream-Filled Screenings
The festival came alive with film screenings, masterclasses, creative workshops, and enlightening talks. These four days once again demonstrated the unifying power of cinema. Young filmmakers met with masters, and audiences discovered new perspectives.
A Tale That Began in Konuralp Will Continue…
In its very first year, the Konuralp International Film Festival has already captured hearts. But this is only the beginning.
Cinema has become the new language of this land.
The stones of Konuralp now speak through the lens.
Düzce is now a city of cinema.
