TRT’s Role in the Sarajevo Film Festival
TRT has taken on an important role as a corporate partner at the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) this year. A total of 5 films co-produced by TRT were screened during the festival. In addition, 3 TRT-supported films are competing in the “Cinelink” section of the festival’s industry section.
TRT Cinema Manager Faruk Guven, In his statement to Anadolu Agency correspondent, he expressed that they are very happy to be among the institutional business partners of SFF. Güven emphasized that Sarajevo is a very important place for them and drew attention to the fact that SFF is one of the most valuable festivals in terms of the film industry.
Güven continued his words as follows: “Thanks to our cooperation, the number of projects from Turkey is increasing and interest in Turkish cinema is rising from there. Projects here are trying to come to Turkey, we are in constant communication with producers and directors from Turkey. Some producers receive feedback like ‘I found a co-producer from a northern country that I never expected, I met with a fund, that fund was very positive about our project’. It is extremely important for us to hear these things.”
Güven stated that the festival spreads the excitement of cinema in Sarajevo with its open-air screenings and other events, and that this atmosphere can also be felt on the streets. He also stated that they participated in SFF this year with 8 projects and that they follow the festival’s industry section “Cinelink” with great importance.
Projects in “Cinelink”
Güven said, “Those who receive support from here or expand their projects through various connections here can compete in very good festivals. 3 projects co-produced by TRT are competing in Cinelink. We received very important feedback from the projects. Among the projects I “I watched the Turkish projects. I liked the most. I feel that these projects have great potential.”
On the other hand, an important work has been done in the short film category and directed by Recep Çavdar. SpringHe stated that the film titled “The Movie” was included in the festival.
A co-production of TRT and directed by Palestinian Elya SuleymanTaken by “It Must Be Heaven”Güven stated that the open-air screening of the film was held and that with these events, the brand of TRT and Turkish cinema was announced to the sector professionals in Sarajevo.
TRT 12 Point and Palestinian Cinema
Güven is a scenario development and co-production platform “TRT 12 Points”He noted that they have reserved the open-air screenings, which they hold every year for TRT co-productions, specifically for Palestinian cinema this year. He emphasized that they host Palestinian directors and organize various events within this scope.
Trust, “We are carrying out these studies to further raise awareness and make this issue more visible in the field of cinema. In addition to our previous series ‘Alija’ about Sarajevo and our film ‘Where Are You Going Aida?’ about Srebrenica, we are also working on projects related to Palestine.”he said.
Güven stated that they currently have two important projects ahead of them, the shooting of one of them has been completed and it will take place in very good festivals next year. “There is a 99 percent chance that this project will make its mark at SFF next year. We are working on another film with a very good director and we got together with Palestinian directors. They are also very sensitive about this issue. We think that Palestinian films will be featured in big festivals next year, especially Cannes. We will be proud that TRT is also taking part in this process.”
