Turkish film fest to start in London

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

A press cofnerece has been held in Istanbul for the announcement of London Turkish Film Festival. AA Photo

A press conference announcing the 18th London Turkish Film Festival, which will run between Feb. 21 and March 3, was held yesterday in the IKSV building.

According to Festival Director Vehide Kaymak, over 40 films will participate in the event, though not all of them can be screened, apologizing for not accepting all film submissions to the festival.

“We are trying to increase the screening figure and make it 25. Last year it was 17. London is a very expensive city and it is really hard to access cinemas,” Kaymak said.

The festival’s Turkey representative, Sevinç Baloğlu, said Turkish movies have entered many festivals but London is an important center for the film industry, making the award more important.

The festival will open at the Odeon West End saloon in Leicester Square with a screening of “Kelebeğin Rüyası” (Dream of a butterfly) by Yılmaz Erdoğan starring Mert Fırat and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ.

Additionally, Turkish actor Kadir İnanır will receive a “Golden Wings Lifetime Achievement Award” at the opening ceremony.