The International Frankfurt Turkish Film Festival, one of Europe’s longest-running Turkish film festivals, is preparing to bring cinema enthusiasts together for its 25th edition this year. Scheduled to take place from June 13 to 18, 2025, the festival will reach audiences not only on the silver screen but also through numerous events in various cities and venues, strengthening intercultural ties.

Festival President Hüseyin Sıtkı stated, “This year, our festival’s Turkey project partner is the Intercultural Cooperation and Dialogue Association (KADİM), chaired by Taha Feyizli. This collaboration with KADİM further reinforces the festival’s commitment to intercultural dialogue and paves the way for new projects and partnerships.”

A Message from Festival President Hüseyin Sıtkı

“Twenty-five years ago, we embarked on a journey with a small dream: to build bridges through cinema. Today, we take pride in having showcased hundreds of films to thousands of viewers, creating countless beautiful memories. Cinema is a power that not only entertains but also unites, transforms, and provokes thought. The Frankfurt Turkish Film Festival will continue to be the voice of this power. We carry these cultural ties, established through cinema, into the future with hope.”

Festival Excitement Spreads from Frankfurt to the Entire Region

Not limited to Frankfurt alone, the festival will bring Turkish cinema to audiences across a wide geographical area with screenings in numerous cities including Offenbach, Wiesbaden, Dietzenbach, Rodgau, Rödermark, Langen, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, and Miltenberg. Furthermore, projects reaching diverse segments of society will be realized, such as open-air cinema, special screenings in high schools and prisons, gatherings at nursing homes, and cultural workshops.

“Voices from Turkey, Universal Stories”

This year, under the theme “Voices from Turkey, Universal Stories,” the festival will present audiences not only with films but also with narratives centered on emotions, experiences, and the human condition. This approach will once again highlight that cinema is not just a visual art form but a universal language that fosters intercultural empathy and creates a shared emotional landscape.

Young Talents Meet Masters

One of this year’s standout sections will be the “Cultural Transnational Cinema Perspectives” workshop and panel series, bringing together young filmmakers with experienced directors and producers. This platform aims to encourage production and collaboration between Turkish and German filmmakers, contributing to the emergence of new projects.

A Special Gathering for Art Lovers

A first for the festival this year: a special Q&A and meet-and-greet session is planned, bringing together participating artists and cinema enthusiasts. This event underscores that cinema is not merely a viewing experience but also a platform for dialogue and sharing.

Tribute to Cinema Veterans

The festival management has decided to present Honorary Awards in Turkey to master artists who have dedicated many years to Turkish cinema but are unable to attend the festival in Frankfurt for various reasons. Accordingly, Suna Keskin, one of the esteemed figures in the cinema world, was presented with her award at a special press launch in Turkey.

Ahmet Mekin, another doyen recognized with an Honorary Award, will receive his award in the coming days due to a recent surgery.

At the festival’s opening night on June 14, Honorary Awards will be presented to Şerif Sezer, Biket İlhan, Güven Kıraç, and Erden Alkan.

On the same night, the Loyalty Award, in memory of the master actor Rasim Öztekin who passed away in 2021, will be presented to his daughter, Pelin Öztekin. These special moments will be a tribute to the artists who have left an indelible mark on cinema history.

Expert Names in the Juries

This year, the festival’s jury lineup once again features many experienced names in their respective fields:

• Feature Film Jury: Ayşe Polat, Buket Alakuş, İdil Üner, Sinan Akkuş, Tim Seyfi
• Documentary Film Jury: Gizem Erman Soysaldı, Rıza Sönmez, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seher Seylan
• Short Film Turkey Jury: Ayşe Balıbey, Emrah Kolukısa, Dr. Ebru Thwaites Diken
• Short Film Germany Jury: Cem Kaya, Pola Sell, Yvonne Wassong

Organization and Supporters

The 25th International Frankfurt Turkish Film Festival is organized by the Germany-based Intercultural Transfer Association (Interkultureller Transfer e.V.). The festival is brought to life with the invaluable contributions of the Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts, the City of Frankfurt am Main, the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Frankfurt, Hessen Film & Medien, and the City of Frankfurt’s Department for Multicultural Affairs (AMKA). Each of these entities significantly supports the strengthening of intercultural dialogue and the increased visibility of Turkish cinema in Europe.

Stay Tuned!

To closely follow all festival-related developments, view the event calendar, and learn about competition results, please visit the digital channels of the International Frankfurt Turkish Film Festival. Detailed information is available on the official festival website www.turkfilmfestival.de. You can also follow the latest updates on its Instagram account @turkfilmfestivalifrankfurt and Facebook page “Frankfurt Türk Film Festivali.” Share in the excitement of this cinema-filled cultural rendezvous digitally!