13th Bosphorus Film Festival opens in Istanbul with Palestine focus

The 13th Bosphorus Film Festival has launched in Istanbul, presenting a diverse program of cinematic works from Türkiye and around the world. Organized by the Bosphorus Culture and Arts Foundation with support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the festival will run through November 14 at prominent venues in Beyoglu, the historic heart of Turkish cinema.

Palestinian Cinema Spotlight

Festival Artistic Director Enes Erbay announced that this year's edition features a special Palestinian selection, including the opening film "Palestine 36" by Annemarie Jacir, which represents Palestine's official submission for the Academy Awards. The dedicated Palestinian program includes four additional films aimed at drawing attention to current events in the region, reflecting the festival's commitment to socially relevant cinema.

Competitive Sections and Educational Programs

The festival hosts competitions across four main categories: National Feature Film, International Feature Film, National Short Film, and International Short Film, with ten films competing in each section. Educational components include masterclasses led by award-winning director Anupam Barve and Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri, along with industry panels discussing international distribution strategies for Turkish cinema.

Special Screenings and Festival Mission

Beyond the competitive sections, the program features special screenings including documentary works about Turkish director Biket Ilhan and artist Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, compiled from personal archives. Erbay emphasized the festival's dual mission of providing diverse viewing experiences while creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers to develop their craft and connect with international cinema professionals.