FutureScope International Short Film Festival Has Started

Istanbul Gelisim University hosted the first day of the FutureScope International Short Film Festival, which brings together young filmmakers under the theme of sustainability. The two-day festival included many events such as film screenings, workshops, talks, and the presentation of Labor Awards. The event, with its comprehensive scope emphasizing the power of cinema in creating societal awareness, brought together a wide audience from students to industry representatives at the university. The program featured Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin, as well as guidance teachers, jury members, and industry representatives.

 

“The Foundation of a Sustainable Future Is the Sustainability of Humanity”

 
In his opening speech at the festival, Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin drew attention to the strong relationship between sustainability and art, delivering important messages to the youth:
“I am greatly honored to host this event. As Istanbul Gelisim University, we no longer adopt only a traditional vision; we embrace an understanding that trains young people who can see beyond the horizon, read the future, and transform it.
Unfortunately, the world we live in exhibits a structure that has lost its sustainability in many aspects. Therefore, we need to transform sustainability from mere discourse into concrete actions in all areas of life. True sustainability is possible through mental transformation; because the foundation of a sustainable future is the sustainability of humanity.
Today, wars continue in the world, and people are destroying their own futures with their own hands. A great human tragedy is unfolding in Gaza before our eyes. In such a world, my advice to the youth is this:
Stand with the oppressed, not the oppressors. Stand tall, question; only then can we achieve true sustainability.
At this point, cinema is one of the most powerful communication tools that makes societal realities visible. Frequently addressing these issues in cinema is of great importance for strengthening collective consciousness.
As Istanbul Gelisim University, we adopt a holistic approach that brings together artistic, social, and technical innovation. In addition to our TEKMER and SATMER centers, we are continuing our efforts to establish SOSYOMER in the field of social innovation. The three pillars that shape civilization are precisely these types of innovation; one is incomplete without the others.”


 

Labor Awards: Tribute to the Masters of Cinema

 
On the first day of the festival, Festival Committee Labor Awards were presented to names who have made valuable contributions to Turkish cinema.
The first Labor Award went to director Ezel Akay, known for his cinematic language and social sensitivity. Due to his busy schedule, Akay could not attend the ceremony and sent a special video message instead. The award was presented on behalf of Ezel Akay to Dr. Faculty Member Ali Kemal Çipe by the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Prof. Dr. Güzin Ilıcak Aydınalp.



The second Labor Award was given to veteran theater and cinema actor Erhan Yazıcıoğlu. After screening a special VTR prepared by the festival team for the artist, the award was presented to him by Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin.



 
The first day of the FutureScope International Short Film Festival ended with an intensive and inspiring program that brought together youth with the transformative power of cinema on the theme of sustainability, with high participation.
On the second day of the festival, film screenings, talks, and workshop activities will continue. The short films evaluated by the jury will find their owners at the ceremony to be held on the second day of the event.