14th EU Human Rights Film Competition inspires change through cinema

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14th EU Human Rights Film Competition inspires change through cinema

The European Union Human Rights Short Film Competition, to be held for the 14th time this year, showcases the transformative power of cinema in Türkiye.

© European Union, 2024

Under the theme "Think outside the box", this event invites producers and directors who share a common belief in the role of cinema as a catalyst for social change to open the door to dialogue and progress. Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, this significant event also brings together cinema industry professionals and audiences.

Actress Selen Uçer

One of the final jury members of last year's competition Selen Uçer comments: "For me, integrating into the EU means confronting the realities through stories to ensure social equality regardless of language, religion, race, and gender. The narration of films, especially short films, with their youthful, dynamic, and impactful style, provide a naive yet powerful platform for dialogue. I find this competition very important and valuable."

According to Director Fatih Ertekin, the 2020 winner of the special prize on gender equality for his film "Memtevri", "The EU Human Rights Short Film Competition holds a crucial position in art in Türkiye with the important themesit focuses on and the social issues it examines."

He adds: "Bringing the films participating in the competition to an audience, both physically and digitally, reflects an effort to bring the society and art together. The most rewarding moment for a film director is when their film connects with the audience. At the same time, it is invaluable for the films to meet the professionals from the industry and foster an interactive environment. I recommend everyone who produces or consumes cinematic works to follow the EU Human Rights Short Film Competition."

13th Human Rights Short Film Competition Award Ceremony

A platform for change

More than just an artistic showcase, the competition is a platform for films focusing on human rights-based storytelling. Gülşah Özdemir Koryürek, co-director of the remarkable 2023 prize-winning film on climate change "Kreta the Time Traveller", reflects:

"As the cinema sector is rather entertainment-oriented, it is not easy for human rights-based film producers like us to find an audience for our films. That is why I think it is critical that the EU organises such a short film competition on human rights, and highlights the field of human rights in cinema. It is incredibly meaningful for us to win an award in such a competition. The competition process was also valuable because it created an environment where we could meet with other filmmakers and have exchanges with each other about our work."

Gülşah Özdemir Koryürek, Selin Saygılı, Assoc. Prof Dr Remziye Köse Özelçi

The competition not only provides recognition but also enables filmmakers to reach wider audiences.The other co-director of "Kreta the Time Traveller"Ilgın Saçan shares her thoughts: "The EU Human Rights Short Film Competition was an important opportunity for our film to reach broader platforms. We were delighted that our film, produced with good intentions, was recognised in a competition driven by the same positive spirit."

As well as enabling filmmakers to reach a wider audience, the event offers a dynamic environment for filmmakers to network and exchange ideas. Director Ferhat Ertan, winner of the 2023 competition, highlights the significance of this interaction, remarking: "Participating in a short film competition organised by the EU was very important to me. It was a valuable experience to be in the same environment with other directors and engage in conversations with them."

Invitation to shape a better future together

Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador-Designate Thomas Ossowski, invites filmmakers to join this impactful journey:

"The EU encourages art that highlights human rights, including cinema. I invite you to participate in the competition, inspire change and harnesses the power of cinema to shape a better future."

With prizes for films that focus on human rights and special prizes for films that focus on gender equality and climate change, the competition is a unique opportunity to spotlight the issues that matter.

Submit your entry to the competition, which is open to all genres and styles, by 18:00 on 1 November 2024.

The competition's winning films will be screened in cinemas during the 14^th European Union Human Rights Film Days.

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