This year in its 54th edition, the Antalya Film Festival is bringing the Turkish and global film industry closer together with the mission of establishing a cultural and communications platform and increasing its influence on an international level.

Aiming at promoting Antalya internationally as a film-friendly city, the festival has appointed a new artistic director, Mike Downey – a well-respected and established independent European film producer who has made over 60 films and who has extensive film festival experience having served on over 20 international film festival juries. Also joining the team as a strategic consultant is Mirsad Purivatra, an art and culture entrepreneur, and the Festival Director of Sarajevo Film Festival.

As Turkey’s first and most well established festival,  these changes are part of Antalya Film Festival’s continued development as a leader in Turkey’s festival culture.

For the first time this year, the festival will also feature an international competition section – which will include the work of masters of world cinema to be curated by Artistic Director Mike Downey.

Mike Downey said: "The Antalya Film Festival can be a place of discovery and ritual, where film and cinema can be explored and consumed by audiences of all ages and interests.  Film festivals have many roles in the 21st century – we can discover great films, and we want to make the best of world cinema accessible, to curate the film makers and the audience, and to allow opportunities for the film industry. But increasingly I believe that the main purpose of film festivals is enhancing the film experience for audiences through events, Q&As and bringing to that precious audience an element of surprise and delight."

International Antalya Film Festival aims to create a joyful and productive atmosphere for all local and international film professionals as well as creating a unique experience for all the residents.

This year, the Festival will continue to support Antalya Film Forum that has become one of the most important events throughout Europe within the first 3 years of its establishment, including hosting countless projects that held their world premieres recognized by prestigious festivals. Antalya Film Forum continues its aim of connecting 200 international industry professionals with the film professionals of Turkey, as well as supporting them.

Antalya Film Forum is directed by Zeynep Atakan, producer of Palme D’or winning film Winter Sleep, directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan.  Atakan, recognized for her many achievements, including spearheading one of the most important components of the Festival.

Antalya Film Festival continues its tradition as showcasing Antalya as a film friendly city which forms a bridge where international cultures meet.

The Festival, which will run 21-27th October this year, will continue its traditional parade and gala screenings to bring all film professionals and film lovers together to have a unique experience – where important delegates from the international film industry will share their knowledge and the magic of the big screen will be brought to the residents of Antalya.

Key sections of the festival lineup include:

54th IAFF SECTIONS

International Competition:

A selection of the work of masters of world cinema to be curated by Artistic Director Mike Downey.

Gala Screenings:

Gala screenings of some of the most anticipated world cinema releases – to be attended by key stars

Children and Family Section:

This section is aimed at developing children’s vision about world cinema and creating opportunities for them to build ties with art and cinema by expanding their vision. Aside from screenings, the festival will also host workshops and talks with surprise guests.

Retrospectives:

Profiling films from two masters of world and Turkish cinema . Screenings will be accompanied by panels attended by filmmakers and audiences. will take place.

Culinary Section:

Four films on gastronomy will be screened. After each film a meal will be prepared for the audience by 4 different chefs inspired by the film that is screened.