In his opening speech at the festival, Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin emphasized that the concept of sustainability is not merely a technical environmental policy but a mental transformation directly related to human values. Şahin stated, “Today, the world exhibits a structure that has lost its sustainability in many aspects. Wars continue, societies are destroying their own future with their own hands. My call to the youth is clear: Stand with the oppressed, not the oppressors; question and stand tall. True sustainability can only be achieved this way.” Drawing attention to the role of cinema in strengthening societal consciousness, Şahin noted that the university adopts a holistic approach bringing together artistic, technical, and social innovation through its TEKMER, SATMER, and the upcoming SOSYOMER centers.
The first day of the festival began with the presentation of Labor Awards to two significant figures who have contributed to Turkish cinema for many years. Director Ezel Akay, due to his busy schedule, could not attend the ceremony but thanked the festival committee via a video message. The award was presented on behalf of Akay to Dr. Faculty Member Ali Kemal Çipe by the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Prof. Dr. Güzin Ilıcak Aydınalp. The other Labor Award was given to veteran theater and cinema artist Erhan Yazıcıoğlu. After a special video screening prepared by the festival team, Yazıcıoğlu received his award from Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin.
Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç from the Visual Communication Design Department at the Faculty of Fine Arts stated that a total of 426 short films were submitted to the festival this year from 27 countries. Bikiç noted that the addition of the high school category expanded the festival's scope and that they conducted a productive workshop process where young people addressed the sustainability theme from their own perspectives. During the two-day “Sustainability Workshop,” students discussed the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals and created their own solution texts. These texts will be shared with the public as “youth messages on sustainability.”
This year, the festival accepted films entirely within the framework of the sustainability theme. The submitted films presented impactful narratives in areas such as the climate crisis, social justice, inequality, environmental sensitivity, and social transformation. Awards were given to short films selected by the jury in six categories, while in the high school category, three films were deemed worthy of special awards without ranking distinctions.
The young participants stated that the entire process, from workshops to film screenings, was productive and thanked the university. High school student Anastasia Myalik said, “We generated ideas in the workshop and met professional directors. It was an unforgettable experience for us.”
Future Scope reinforced its status this year as an international platform where young directors raise their voices for a sustainable future through the universal language of cinema.
