Antalya is home to the historical Aspendos Amphitheater, which is considered the best-preserved theater of antiquity. With a diameter of 315 ft, it can sit about 12,000 people. In the 1950s, Dr. Avni Tolunay began to organize concerts, theater performances and other cultural activities at the Aspendos Amphitheater. These events held during summer months quickly became popular among local residents and guests of Antalya.
In 1963, Dr. Tolunay became the mayor of Antalya and transformed the festivities into an annual film festival. The festival was named “Golden Orange” because Antalya Province is famous for its oranges. The inaugural Golden Orange Film Festival was held in 1964.
The main goal of the Golden Orange Film Festival was to promote Turkish cinema at both national and international levels. The festival went international in 1978. Today, it is considered Turkey’s most important film event. The International Antalya Film Festival is organized by the Antalya Foundation for Culture and Arts and takes place at the Antalya Cultural Center.
The festival comprises several sections, including International Competition, Gala Screenings, Children’s and Family Program, Retrospective, and Film and Food (Culinary Section). Turkish filmmakers can submit their works for consideration, while international titles are selected by the festival committee at its own discretion, and then the selected filmmakers are sent invitations which they can accept or decline.
Awards presented at the Antalya Film Festival include Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Special Jury Award, Behlül Dal Award, Dr. Avni Tolunay Award (Audience Award), and four Honorary Awards.
Alongside film screenings, the Antalya Film Festival hosts the Antalya Film Forum, a co-production and project development market for Turkish filmmakers that features pitching platforms, workshops, panels, meetings, presentations, one-on-one mentoring sessions, case studies, and networking events.
Photo: antalyaff.com
