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Yazbek: A Portrait

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International Short Film Competition

Yazbek: A Portrait

00:12:20

Frederick Shelbourne, Lucy Andia

-

Mexico

Yazbek: A Portrait recounts a Sergio's life, leading up to the moment he uncovers a box of his late father’s lost negatives. As he develops the photographs, Sergio reconnects with his father in ways he never expected, discovering new facets about the man and his legacy. Sergio reflects on how his father taught him not only the secrets of photography but also of life itself, shaping his understanding of the world through the lens. This film explores themes of memory, family, and the profound connection between art and life.

Thursday, January 22, 2026

15:00

Fransız Kültür Merkezi

A Legend of Foça: Nihat Dirim (With the Director in Attendance)

International Feature Film Competition

A Legend of Foça: Nihat Dirim (With the Director in Attendance)

Hakan Barçın

A Legend of Foça: Nihat Dirim A Legend of Foça: Nihat Dirim is a 60-minute documentary that chronicles the life and legacy of Nihat Dirim, the legendary mayor of Foça, a district renowned for its historical and natural beauty on Turkey's Aegean coast. Serving two terms as mayor from 1989 to 1999, Dirim shaped Foça's identity through his commitment to environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, and a people-centered governance approach. Despite today's generally adverse climate, his influence continues to be a defining force in the town. The documentary delves into Dirim's profound passion, love, and dedication to Foça, illustrating how this emotional bond contributed to the town's development. His visionary leadership is exemplified by initiatives such as building bridges of friendship with Greece's Lesbos Island and Palea Fokea, leading environmental campaigns against a proposed thermal power plant in Aliağa, and launching projects to protect the endangered Mediterranean monk seals. Beginning with Dirim's childhood, the film explores his journey through his mayoral tenure to his enduring impact on Foça today. This narrative is conveyed through interviews with nearly 40 individuals conducted over a year, led by his close friend Hakan Barçın. These interviews provide deep insights into Dirim's genuine relationships with the public, his leadership style, and his unwavering devotion to Foça.
Muapbet

Student Documentaries from Türkiye

Muapbet

Senad K. Sipahioğlu, Yiğit Şafak

Baghdad Graphic

International Short Film Competition

Baghdad Graphic

D.K. Odessa

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Şeker Tadında (With the Director in Attendance)

International Short Film Competition

Şeker Tadında (With the Director in Attendance)

Adem Giliz

NONE

Student Documentaries from Türkiye

NONE

Ezel Manay

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Mexico Day Zero

International Feature Film Competition

Mexico Day Zero

Pablo Siciliano

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ALTAY

Student Documentaries from Türkiye

ALTAY

Pelin Girgin

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International Feature Film Competition

I Just Keep Dancing

Natasha Fefelova, Galina Goldfeld

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International Short Film Competition

Fekry's Thoughts

Essam Hayder

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It Was Nice to Meet You

Documentaries from Türkiye

It Was Nice to Meet You

Jehan Barbur, Güneş Kazdal

World Premiere: Antalya Film Festival Documentary Competition This mid-length documentary follows Deniz (28) and Can (30), two siblings with SMA who are bedridden and live with the support of their mother, Aysel. Highlighting issues such as societal neglect, restricted rights, and equality, the film aims to raise awareness. After losing their home in the Maraş earthquake, the family now resides in a relative’s house in Alaçatı. Through five days of interviews and observations, the documentary sheds light on their lives and perspectives.
The Land In Between

International Experimental Film Competition

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Yilu Zhou

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The Seasons Within Me

Documentaries from Türkiye

The Seasons Within Me

Sevda Doğan

I am a documentary filmmaker living with bipolar disorder. I have turned the camera toward myself and begun documenting the process of making my first feature film. Throughout this journey, bipolar disorder and the shifting conditions of my country have been my greatest challenges, while inner reflection and artistic creation have been my strongest sources of support. In this sense, the documentary offers a sincere companionship both to those on the path of self-discovery and to individuals going through similar experiences.
Songs of Fraternity

Yönetmenlerin Katılımıyla

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Çayan Demirel, Ayşe Çetinbaş

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Le chien qui boit le thé

International Feature Film Competition

Le chien qui boit le thé

Jean-Claude Moschetti Moschetti, Arnaud Nouvel

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Mosaic

Student Documentaries from Türkiye

Mosaic

Ibrahim Ayoub

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Tight Lines (With the Director in Attendance)

Student Documentaries from Türkiye

Tight Lines (With the Director in Attendance)

Cihan Berkay Mahçup

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GIOJA22

International Short Film Competition

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Alley

Documentaries from Türkiye

Alley

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International Short Film Competition

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Special Film Screenings

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