Turkish artists champion film diplomacy at Istanbul conference, cite "Ayla"

At the Film Diplomacy Conference 2025 in Istanbul, artists underscored cinema's historic role in international relations while cautioning against cultural imperialism. The Turkish film "Ayla" was highlighted as a prime example of soft power that strengthened Türkiye's ties with South Korea.
Turkish artists and filmmakers convened in Istanbul for the Film Diplomacy Conference 2025 to explore the potent role of cinema in international relations. Composer Burak Saygili framed the discussion by stating that film has been an instrument of diplomacy since the camera's invention, using historical narratives as its vehicle.
Navigating the Digital Shift and Imperialism Risks
Saygili noted the evolution from written text to the big screen and now to digital channels, asserting that modern diplomacy must engage with digital media. He issued a critical caveat, warning against the dominance of a single cultural narrative. "Cultural diplomacy should not turn into cultural imperialism. Cultures should develop with each other, but we should not impose one culture on another," he emphasized, referencing globally homogenizing content from major studios.
"Ayla" as a Case Study in Soft Power
The 2017 Turkish-South Korean co-production "Ayla" was presented as a successful application of film diplomacy. Director Can Ulkay explained the film fostered awareness and prompted international audiences to research the Korean War, while a political youth branch representative noted a specific scene symbolized Türkiye's peacekeeping role. The film is credited with tangibly improving cultural and diplomatic relations between Türkiye and South Korea.
A Global Gathering for Cinematic Diplomacy
The three-day conference, themed "Building Diplomats Through Lens," brought together global participants for training workshops, a 24-hour film challenge on peace, and award ceremonies judged by diplomats and directors. The event underscored a collective move to strategically harness storytelling for fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperative international dialogue.
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