ISTANBUL 

The 13th Bosphorus Film Festival, organized by the Bosphorus Culture and Arts Foundation with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cinema, will open on Friday evening in Istanbul.

The festival, with Anadolu as its global communication partner, will run through Nov. 14, offering a diverse program that embraces “all the colors of cinema.”

Festival Artistic Director Enes Erbay told Anadolu that screenings will take place in the heart of Turkish cinema, Beyoglu, at Atlas 1948 Cinema, AKM Yesilcam Cinema, and Istiklal AVM Cinema Pink.

“We have prepared a rich and fulfilling program for film enthusiasts,” Erbay said. “We will host more than 50 film screenings, along with many special events.”

He noted that the opening film of the festival is “Palestine 36,” directed by Annemarie Jacir, which was also submitted as Palestine’s entry for the Oscars.

“To draw attention to what is happening in Palestine, we prepared a special Palestinian selection this year,” Erbay said.

“In addition to Palestine 36, we included four more films in this section.

“Beyond that, we will hold special screenings, including two documentaries: one a biographical film about director Biket Ilhan, and another created from Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu’s personal archive.

“Finally, we’ll also screen the fictional film The Secret on the Canvas as part of our special program.”

Erbay explained that the festival's goal is not only to provide a diverse viewing experience but also to provide opportunities for young filmmakers to hone their craft.

'Festival week for everyone'

Award-winning director Anupam Barve and Saleh Bakri, one of the stars of Palestine 36, will lead masterclasses, Erbay announced.

“We’re also planning a sector-focused panel on Turkish cinema’s sales potential, international partnerships, and distribution,” he said.

“All festival content can be accessed through our website and catalog.”

The festival’s competition section spans four main categories. “Ten films will compete in each category, making for a rich and competitive week,” Erbay noted.

“We received a record number of submissions, especially in the documentary category—we accepted 11 films there. Our pre-selection teams faced tough choices. I believe it will be a deeply satisfying festival week for everyone.”

Erbay emphasized that the Bosphorus Film Festival serves as both a main hub for Turkish cinema and an important platform where young filmmakers can showcase their talent alongside significant international works.

He invited Istanbul audiences to join in watching the festival films.

Opening with 'Palestine 36'

The festival will open with Palestine 36, which had its world premiere at the 50th Toronto Film Festival and was selected as Palestine’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

The Palestinian cinema showcase will include:

• All That’s Left of You—premiered at Sundance, telling the story of a mother’s hope and resistance as her son joins protests in the West Bank.

• The Voice of Hind Rajab—winner of nine awards at the Venice Film Festival, focusing on the tragic death of 5-year-old Hind Rajab.

• With Hasan in Gaza—premiered at Locarno, following a man’s search for a former prison friend that turns into a journey of discovery in Gaza.

• Yalla Parkour—premiered at DOC NYC, exploring themes of memory and belonging through a personal journey.

National and international competitions

In the National Feature Film Competition, entries include Bag Bozumu, Bir Adam Yaratmak, Golun Sarkisi, Gunduz ve Gece, Gunesin Altında Yeni Bir Sey Yok, Kanto, Kesilmis Bir Agac Gibi, Parcali Yillar, Raylarin Otesinde, and Tavsan Imparatorlugu.

The International Feature Film Competition will feature Dj Ahmet, In My Parents’ House, Lost Land, Renoir, Sanding Dreams, The Love That Remains, The President’s Cake, Where Do We Begin, Whisper My Name, and Wind, Talk to Me.

The National Short Film Selection includes Bir Baskasinin Ruyasi, Bir Turna Kusu Yapmak, Defne, Eudaimonia, Hatirlanacak Ne Var?, Kesik Kulak, Kopeklerin Gecesi, Mumeyyiz, Sakin Soyleme, and Susmuslar Esigi.

The International Short Film Selection presents works from across the world—Attitude and Thread (Iran), Comunque Bene (Italy), Don’t You Dare (Russia), Ne Me Quitte Pas and Video Store 2001 (Spain), Pet-Extermination (Norway), There Will Come Soft Rains (UK), and We Had Fun and Ya Hanouni (France).

Documentary competition and special screenings

The Documentary Selection will compete for the grand prize with films such as Agac Adam, Kavak Agacinin Golgesinde, Mukaddes, Nena Sena, Nilgun, Ozgur Kelimeler: Gazelli Bir Sair, Pirlerin Dugunu, Sessiz Cizgiler, Tanistigima Memnun Oldum, Topraga Donus, and Ustad Mehmed: Siyah Kalem.

Among the special screenings, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu – Topragin Sirrina Erenler, directed by Ali Kemal Pasiner, stands out. Compiled from 8.5 hours of colorful 8mm footage from Eyuboglu’s personal archive, it offers a vivid glimpse into his life and art.

Other highlights include “I Passed Through the Boulevard of Mists: Biket Ilhan,” directed by Mehmet Gureli, tracing Ilhan’s cinematic journey, and “The Secret on the Canvas,” directed by Omer Evre, a drama of love, betrayal, and long-buried secrets set in Cyprus.

Masters to share their experience

Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri will lead a masterclass titled “The Art of Being: Acting with Saleh Bakri,” exploring character building, emotional expression, and simplicity in performance.

Anupam Barve, an award-winning filmmaker, will lead a workshop titled "Acting and Directing in Front of the Camera," with a focus on directing actors and improving on-camera performance.

As part of Bosphorus Talks, a panel titled “The International Journey of Turkish Cinema: From Türkiye to the World” will discuss global strategies and visibility for Turkish cinema.

Speakers include Faruk Guven (Head of TRT Cinema), Onur Guvenatam (Founder, OGM Pictures), Karina Mia Satlykova (Founder, Kunay Film), and Nurullah Yenihan (Founder, Siyahmarti Animation).

The eight-day festival will bring together domestic and international films, renowned industry figures, and cinema professionals from around the world.

For all updates and the full program, you can visit www.bogazicifilmfestivali.com or follow the festival’s official social media accounts.