The Gemlik Film Festival, organized for the second time this year in memory of Eşref Kolçak by the Gemlik Municipality, continued with great enthusiasm on its second day. Timur Acar met with the people of Gemlik in a delightful conversation during the festival.

In Zeytindalı Square, after the screening of the finalist films of the Short Film Competition and the movie “Aile Arasında” (Within the Family), Timur Acar engaged in an enjoyable conversation with hundreds of locals from Gemlik, moderated by Başak Koç.

Before the conversation, Gemlik Mayor Mehmet Uğur Sertaslan presented a thank-you plaque and the symbolic olive sapling of Gemlik to Timur Acar. He said, “We are the children of this land, where blood, sweat, and tears are mixed. Our only wish is to unite and live together with respect and love. Every event, every activity we organize serves this dream. We know we are on the right path, and we will continue to work towards it. I thank dear Timur Acar for not leaving us alone on this night.”

During the pleasant conversation, Timur Acar also sang a song and praised Merve Dizdar, who won the “Best Actress Award” at the Cannes Film Festival. He said, “Seeing our friend Merve Dizdar at Cannes, and even winning that award, evokes incredible feelings in all of us. We are proud and happy. Merve is a very valuable person, and I truly adore her. Nuri Bilge Ceylan is also one of our important directors. Seeing those values there and achieving success is beautiful. We live in a beautiful region with enriching values for our profession. Our ancestors fought for this homeland, and from here, many beautiful journeys and stories emerge. It’s a source of pride to see them crowned with such achievements.”

Regarding the decline of cinema screenings in movie theaters due to digitalization, Timur Acar expressed his thoughts, “Unfortunately, cinema theaters were taken away from the public and placed inside shopping malls. We didn’t do much about it, and we watched the construction of those malls. Then the pandemic happened. I don’t think this will last for too long. Some of our friends are making new beginnings, and I believe they will return with some movies. Cinema should not be an art form that is disconnected from the public, no matter how much digitalization occurs. The silver screen is something else entirely. There will be a comeback, and that’s what’s beautiful. I think people will return to the cinemas. Everyone is locked in with digital platforms, but I believe this will end. We will once again be face-to-face in the cinemas.”

Timur Acar stated, “Every person has their own concerns, perspectives on life, and criteria. My concern is to live happily.” When reminded of his iconic line from the popular film “Çakallarla Dans” (Dance with Jackals), he said, “I didn’t know that the phrase ‘Hastasıyız dede’ (We’re fans of grandpa) would spread so much. People shout it after me on the streets, even in the middle of the night. It came up during the shooting and then spread to other places. Being remembered that way by people is a pleasant thing for me.”

The first day of the festival concluded with an enthusiastic concert by the band “Barabar.” During the concert, Gemlik Mayor Mehmet Uğur Sertaslan and actor Erkan Can presented olive saplings to the “Barabar” team. Sertaslan and Can also performed “Magosa Limanı” with the group, captivating the audience. Thousands of Gemlik locals sang along with the band’s songs, filling the square.

On the second day, the film “Bir Yudum Sevgi” (A Sip of Love) was screened at Umurbey Square, attracting a large attendance from the people of Gemlik.

The festival, which will continue until July 23rd with the participation of special guests, will include selected Turkish film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and discussions.

You can follow up-to-date information about the festival at www.gemlikfilmfestivali.com.