FutureScope International Short Film Festival Has Begun

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 includes film screenings, workshops, talks, and the presentation of the Labor Awards. With a scope that emphasizes cinema’s power to create social awareness, the event brought together a wide audience at the University from students to industry professionals. The program featured Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, along with guidance counselors, jury members, and sector representatives.

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

In the opening speech of the festival, Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin highlighted the strong relationship between sustainability and art, delivering important messages to the youth:
“It is a great honor for us to host this event. As Istanbul Gelisim University, we now embrace an approach that goes beyond traditional vision raising young people who can see beyond the horizon, read the future, and shape it.

Unfortunately, the world we live in today displays a structure that has lost its sustainability in many ways. Therefore, we must transform sustainability from merely a discourse into concrete actions across all areas of life. True sustainability is only possible through a mental transformation, because the foundation of a sustainable future is the sustainability of humanity.

Today, wars continue around the world, and people are destroying their own future with their own hands. A great humanitarian tragedy is unfolding before our very eyes in Gaza. In such a world, my advice to young people is this:
Stand with the oppressed, not the oppressors. Stand firm, question; only then can we achieve true sustainability.

At this point, cinema is one of the most powerful communication tools that makes social reality visible. Addressing these issues frequently in cinema is of great importance for strengthening collective consciousness.

As Istanbul Gelisim University, we adopt a holistic approach that combines 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. These three types of innovation are the pillars that shape civilization; one is incomplete without the others.”

Labor Awards: Honoring the Masters of Cinema

On the first day of the festival, the Festival Committee presented the Labor Awards to individuals who have made valuable contributions to Turkish cinema.

The first Labor Award was given to director Ezel Akay, known for his cinematic language and social sensitivity. Due to his busy schedule, Akay could not attend the ceremony but sent a special video message. The award was presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Prof. Güzin Ilıcak Aydınalp to Asst. Prof. Ali Kemal Çipe on behalf of Ezel Akay.

The second Labor Award was presented to master theater and film actor Erhan Yazıcıoğlu. Following the screening of a special video prepared by the festival team, the award was presented to him by Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin.

The first day of the FutureScope International Short Film Festival concluded with a highly attended and inspiring program, where young participants explored the theme of sustainability through the transformative power of cinema.
On the second day of the festival, film screenings, talks, and workshops will continue. Short films evaluated by the jury will receive their awards at the ceremony to be held on the second day of the event.