Among the Turkish guests, actors Hale Soygazi, Yusuf Sezgin and Salih Guney received the “Honor Award.”

The gala opened with a concert by jazz musician Kerem Gorsev and Turkish singer Sevval Sam.

Frankfurt Turkish Film Festival Committee Chairman Huseyin Sitki thanked the participants for their support by saying, “So far in Germany we have had some financial earnings, but we've spent our experiences on our culture and art. Today we are trying to achieve this through Turkish cinema.”

Turkish Consul-General in Frankfurt Ufuk Ekici attended the opening. In his speech, he stated that the first generation of Turkish immigrants who moved abroad were able to maintain their language and culture through Turkish films.

Founded in 2004 by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Frankfurt Cultural attache in cooperation with the Turkish Films Festival and intercultural Transfer association, the Frankfurt Turkish Film Festival runs until November 3.

The festival featuring 40 movies brings Turkish actors and directors to the attention of international cinema authorities.

The festival also covers many events, interviews and panels featuring Turkey's vast cultural richness.

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