[press release from MTFF]
Melbourne will play host to the first Melbourne Turkish Film Festival presented by The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Antalya Culture and Arts Foundation together with ACMI, Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Running between 19–24 April, this debut event will screen a selection from the latest international award winning films to the cult classics from Turkey’s cinema vaults. Through film, universal issues and human emotions will be explored in intriguing Turkish contexts.
Viewers will be immersed in a unique and exciting cinematic experience. Festival Director and Curator, Nalan Cebeci said, “The festival gives audiences the chance to experience different and exotic worlds. Reaching audiences beyond Turkish borders will not only strengthen the broader film culture, considering the cultural and historical ties of these two nations, but also reinstate the power of this medium to open our minds to other worlds.”
Turkish cinema has been making a name for itself over the years appearing more and more in international arenas. Since the late nineties, Turkish Cinema has been witnessing a dramatic national increase in its film production and national box office attendance.
The second half of 2005 saw Turkish films take sixty percent of the box office share in Turkey – a greater proportion compared to any other European nation.
Further information about Melbourne Turkish Film Festival is available at www.melbourneturkishfilmfestival.com.au